Countless countries celebrated Father’s Day yesterday- Australia was not actually one of them! However, regardless, Father’s Day is an opportune time to honour fatherhood; it is also a great opportunity to consider the vital role that fathers play in their lives of their children. Working within the field of eating disorders, which are obviously a gendered illness, I am particularly interested in considering the integral role that fathers play in the lives of their daughters.
Aaron Dickson put together the fabulous, famous “Daddy Date” video last year. And he has done it again this year, creating another video for Father’s Day, testifying to the value of this relationship. You can watch his new video here. Aaron notes:
When over 160 million watched, shared, and messaged me about my first video, “The Best First Date,” I knew fathers everywhere needed help connecting with their daughters.
But why is this so important? The University Of Western Australia’s “The Fathering Project” explores the value of fathering- and researches best practice around it. They demonstrate that:
- Fathers are strong potential influencers;
- Fathers often struggle to know how to be good dads;
- Being a good father does make a difference;
- A good relationship with your child is the best insurance against peer pressure;
- Children need time with fathers and father figures.
Indeed, there is compelling evidence that the role of a “father” extends far beyond that of “bread winner”. In particular, according to research, positive fathering contributes to:
- Improved child development (for example, increased social and cognitive competence; increased social responsibility and capacity for empathy; positive self control ; positive self esteem; positive relationships with siblings; fewer school adjustment difficulties; and better academic progress);
- Better social skills (for example, increase psychosocial adjustment skills higher levels of social competence);
- Positive mental health & self esteem;
- Reduced tobacco, alcohol & drug use (specifically, the impact of fathers here is distinct and may be stronger than that of mothers);
- Better school engagement and performance (including fewer school adjustment problems, better academic progress, enhanced occupational achievements in adulthood);
- Reduced risk of engaging in bullying behaviour & a buffering effect of victimisation;
- Reduced engagement in risky sexual activity, protective sexual behaviours (such as condom use, older age of first sexual intercourse);
- Reduced risk of delinquent & antisocial behaviour;
- Increased engagement in physical activity and health giving behaviours.
Exactly how can fathers parent positively? I have written previously about the key things that, in my clinical experience, a girl needs from her father. However in some ways the fundamentals of fathering are quite simple:
Our children are aching for daddies who will put down their phones, disconnect from work to connect with them on their level, and spend quality time fostering a lifelong bond rooted in strength, love, and commitment.
-writes Aaron. You can find out more about Aaron’s inspiring work via his Best First Date website.
Dads, over to you. What things you do to foster this vital relationship with your daughter? What tips do you have for other fathers?
