The Importance of Dads

Sarah Berry
Life & Style reporter-Sydney Morning Herald

Sadly, not enough dads realise the impact they have on their daughters’ lives. One study found only 30 per cent of fathers believed that active involvement in their daughter’s life was vital to her health and well being.

This is despite recent findings that the dad’s influence is as great, and sometimes greater, than the mother’s.

Dads, as has been well documented, impact girls’ interactions with men later in life.

“In my years of psychology practice, I’ve met very few women who did not unconsciously or consciously pick a romantic partner based on the characteristics of her father,” says clinical psychologist Jennifer Kromberg.

Dads also affect their daughters self esteem, independence and stress levels.

According to a report by the US Department of Health and Human Services: “Children who have an involved father are more likely to be emotionally secure, be confident to explore their surroundings, and, as they grow older, have better social connections.”

For my part, my father is now one of my best friends. There is not a soul I respect or love more than my dad.

I am acutely aware that not all dads are like this and there are plenty of women (and men) who have been without a father or at least without a worthy one.
But one thing we should never do is underestimate the importance of dads.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/life/the-importance-of-dads-20130827-2sn81.html#ixzz2dSxIbkJv