Are Fathers Necessary For A Child's Wellbeing?

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Are fathers necessary for a child’s wellbeing? That is a loaded question for several reasons. Is the father a good dad? An abusive alcoholic? A father who will send birthday cards once a year, or promise to visit and never shows? Having a father figure in a child’s life can be extremely influential, but it could also be detrimental. I believe that there is no replacement for a father figure, whether it be a biological or step parent, given that they are not causing the children more harm than good. In terms of an abusive father, it would be healthier in some cases to grow up with that void than to die by the hands of the one who is filling it. A father who promises fun weekend plans and sleepovers and then never follows through can also be very …show more content…

Which leads me to believe that perhaps the success of those was not only due to whether the father played a roll, but on any number of outside forces. All of that being said, what if the father is a good dad? A supportive and active role in the child’s life? Study’s have shown, according to Kyle D. Pruett, M.D., that children raised by men showed “infants functioned above expected norms on several categories, particularly adaptive problem solving and social adaptation….. infants seemed especially comfortable with, and attracted to, stimulation from the external environment. They could quiet and regulate themselves, but their appetite for engaging the outer world and bringing it into their own was especially sharp.” This specific example is about infants, and already they are showing improved cognitive abilities by having the father figure in their lives. As they grow it will only become more beneficial. Problem solving skills are necessary in all areas of life which will help them succeed. And a good ability to adapt will improve the child’s character and make life easier for

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