Although the influence of parents and parenting on the health of children seem obvious to most, the impact of fathers in particular on the health of their children is often overlooked. Sure, many children are taken to their doctor’s or other health appointments by their fathers but I’m referring to factors other than transportation.
Multiple studies have found that children who have limited positive father involvement are more likely to smoke, drink alcohol, use illicit drugs, not take prescribed medications, have early sexual activities, and become depressed.
Physicians and medical providers have recognized the importance of fathers in the health outcomes of their children. Specifically, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that ‘pediatricians routinely inquire about the involvement of the father in child rearing, educate parents about the importance of the father’s involvement in child rearing, and voice their expectation that the father will be present at child health visits’.
Unfortunately, many children live in homes without fathers. In 2007, approximately 25percent of all children in the U.S. and 50 percent of African American children lived in homes without fathers. Per the American Academy of Pediatrics, children grow up to be healthier, more productive, and more well-adjusted adults when their parents are married and live together, support each other, communicate effectively, maintain good mental and physical health, and avoid violence. The Academy also points out that children can thrive in a variety of family types in addition to the traditional two-parent, married household.
There are several factors regarding father involvement beyond residing with their children that are known to affect child and adolescent health. Three areas have been highlighted in models of father involvement that include
– Accessibility: the father’s availability and frequency of contact.
– Engagement: direct interaction with the father.
– Responsibility: the father arranges for and provides resources for care.
Of the three areas, the QUALITY of the father’s engagement has been shown to be especially protective for child and adolescent health outcomes. Of course, a number of factors can affect a father’s involvement with his child including economic and employment circumstances, relationship with the child’s mother, geographic proximity to the child, relationship history with his own father, and positive self-image.
Recent studies have found that African American fathers with low mood or depressive symptoms have strained relationships with their children including with less play time, less warmth, increased psychological control (using guilt and withholding love), and increased conflict. This has been seen in both fathers who live with their children and those who don’t.
In a University of Michigan study published in December 2009, nearly 50 percent of African American fathers reported moderate to severe depressive symptoms. In this study, 345 African American fathers with pre-teen sons (who don’t live together) are participating in a Fathers and Sons program, which is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to help prevent unhealthy behaviors in adolescent boys by increasing positive involvement with their fathers. The study found that 36 percent of fathers in the program suffered from moderate depression and 11 percent had severe depression.
This finding is shocking to me. At an age at which children are most vulnerable to outside/peer influence, almost half of their fathers were depressed. Not surprisingly, the sons of the men with depression were 3 times more likely to report less closeness and more conflict with their fathers.
Of course, it is unclear whether the father’s depression led to the strained relationship, vice versa, or some combination of the two. Either way, it is important for health care providers, parents, and families to recognize low mood/depression and help fathers (and mothers) seek treatment for their symptoms. This is vital for the health of both the parent and the children.
As many of plan to celebrate Father’s Day during the month of June, let’s celebrate with more than just material gifts. Help support paternal engagement by
– Encouraging positive and direct interactions with fathers and children
– Supporting fathers’ involvement in all aspects of their children’s lives
– Providing a positive and nurturing environment for parenting.
Happy Father’s Day to all the men who are (or who are striving to be) responsible, loving, respectful, and engaged parents and role models to our children.