Fathers, you’re not just figures in a family portrait, more than that guy in sneakers manning the grill, more than just the person who handles the spider; to your kids you’re guides, mentors, and protectors. A father’s importance in child development matches that of mothers, making you an indispensable ally in raising well-adjusted, and confident children. Your involvement, guidance, and interaction can make a significant difference in steering children away from using substances.
Studies have shown that children who grow up with an involved father are more likely to earn better grades in school, less likely to repeat a grade, and less likely to be suspended1, In Cortland County students in grades 7-12th, students who felt close to their father were half as likely to have been suspended than students who didn’t feel close to their father2. Studies even show that when children have active fathers, they are less likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as substance use3.
It’s not just studies supporting this idea, let’s take a look at the stats for our kids in Cortland County to see what our youth experience:
- 13% of 7-12th grade students who did not share their thoughts and feelings with their fathers used marijuana in the past 30 days, when only 5% of those who do share used marijuana.
- Those who did not share their thoughts and feelings with their father were more than half as likely as those who do share to report alcohol use in the past 30 days.
- 10% of 7-12th grade students in Cortland County who did not share their thoughts and feelings with their father where suspended, while only 7% of those who do share were suspended.
- Only 0.5% of students who share their thoughts and feelings with their fathers reported using cigarettes in the past 30 days, while about 3% of those who do share reported cigarette use.
- 7-12th grade students who did not share their thoughts and feelings with their fathers were more than twice as likely to report vaping than the students who did share.
Those who didn’t feel close to their father were more likely to report suicidal ideation (38%) and depression (44%), compared to students who did feel close to their fathers (15% and 21% respectively). Also troubling, is that the 7-12th grade students who didn’t feel close to their father were four times more likely to report a suicide attempt.
How can you make sure your time with your child is impactful as a father?
Any relationship begins with respectful communication, not just with your child but the adults around them as well. Speak positively about their other parents regardless of your personal relationship together. Children are able to pick up tension around them, and negative comments can affect their perception and relationship with both parents. Establish “Dad Time” together at least once a month. This could be setting aside dedicated time to play together, enjoy hobbies, even participate in household chores. The aim is to create intentional moments to get to know your children. Cortland County students who enjoy spending time with their fathers were less likely to use drugs and alcohol, have depressive symptoms, and binge drink2.
Finally, take some time to ask yourself, “what do I hope my children will say about me when they’re older?” Reflecting on this question, as well as how you were raised, can help you shape your interactions with your children to create positive, impactful, long lasting memories.
- National Responsible Fatherhood Clearing House (2021). The Importance of Father Involvement [PDF File]. Fatherhood Resource Hub. Retrieved June 13, 2023 from https://fatherhoodresourcehub.org/pdf/ImportanceofFatherInvolvementOnePagerEnglish.pdf
- Cortland Area Communities That Care (CACTC). Results and Analysis: The 2022 Cortland County Youth Survey. https://www.cortlandareactc.org/publications. February 2023.
- Children’s Bureau. (2023, May 23). A Father’s Impact on Child Development. All4Kids. Retrieved June 13, 2023, from https://www.all4kids.org/news/blog/a-fathers-impact-on-child-development/
