Why is involved fathering important? Much like the mother-child bonding that takes place during a child’s first three years of life, recent studies point to a similar developmental importance for father-child bonding. Children of fathers who are more involved early in life show better language and motor development by the preschool years, have better social adjustment and perform better in school. Fathers who are involved tend to be happier and, with their partners, enjoy greater relationship/marital satisfaction. It’s important to understand that involved fathering can be done in a variety of ways. For example, fathers who frequently travel for work or military deployment may find creative ways to maintain regular long-distance interactions with their children and can also participate in family decisions from afar. Even more, fathers from all sorts of life circumstances, including both two-parent households and parents who live separately, can be actively involved fathers. What can a father of a young child do to be more involved? First, talk early and often with your child’s mother about parenting issues – stay on the same page and strike a balance. For your infant, toddler or preschooler, spend time every day reading books together. Take time to talk about what each of you did that day. Be an active participant in decisions about school, child care and activities. Engage your child in activities that are important to you and then do something that he or she likes. Be patient and steady when things get difficult. Do silly things together. Have fun! Resources • Nat’l Center on Fathers & Families: www.ncoff.gse.upenn.edu • Ross Parke & Armin Brott: Throwaway Dads: The Myths and Barriers That Keep Men from Being the Fathers They Want to Be (1999) Are you enjoying the Smart Beginnings newsletter? We would appreciate your feedback, click here to particpate in our 6 question survey.