
Treasuring Mothers social worker Michelle Fletcher has done some thorough research, and her sources are quoted below. She has some interesting perspectives on why a father is so important in the life of your child.

I think sometimes we expect a child can be as secure and loved with the input of only a mother, or only a father. In some ways, as long as it is a loving family unit, we wonder, does it make any difference?
It helps us feel better about the rising number of single-parent families. Or even, the families with two dads, or two mothers. Also, with domestic abuse situations, it’s a far better outcome for children to have the “only” scenario.
But today, let’s take a step back from the more emotive exceptions. And look at fatherhood from a more objective viewpoint. Because after all, we have to be honest: Mothers and Fathers do bring different skills and abilities into a family. Even if it’s simply about Fathers modelling to their sons how to be a decent man. And Mothers, modelling to their daughters how to be a good woman.
GUEST: Nicki Jeffery
HOST: Jenny Baxter
Dads are So Important is brought to you with the assistance of the Community Broadcasting Foundation. It was first broadcast on Hobart’s ultra106five radio.
Show Notes – Dads are So Important
Michelle’s Research Sources:
- The Importance of Fathers | Psychology Today Australia
- The Role of Fathers in Childhood Development | Harvard Extension School
- The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study: Relationship of Childhood Abuse and Household Dysfunction to Many of the Leading Causes of Death in Adults
- Michelle notes: This research is one I quote and use all the time. It’s a pivotal study into the lifelong adverse childhood experiences and the longitudinal effects of trauma, neglect and parenting.
- The Effects of Father Involvement | The Father Involvement Initiative
Here are some more blog posts and podcasts which note the impact of a father on children:
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