I realize that the results of this recent British study are not going to be groundbreaking, but certainly it is worth noting here. Regular Time With Dad is Key to Kids’ Happiness: Study, by Rosemary Black of the Daily News, focuses on a recent British study of 1,200 children between 11 – 15 years old, and found that “Children who converse with their father “most days” rated themselves 87 out of 100 on a happiness scale, while those who rarely talk to their dads scored a 79. The study results, released by the Children’s Society in Great Britain just in time for Father’s Day, called the findings “highly significant” because research has demonstrated that a person’s well-being later in life has a lot to do with their relationship with both parents during the teen years.” Like most research, if you scrutinize the process of how it was completed, I am sure you can shoot holes in the research study.
Consequently, I think many of us parents realize that quality time with both parents is ideal because both dads and moms offer their children unique and varying styles of parenting. The article describes in some detail some of the benefits (what the research says) of parenting that fathers and mothers bring to the table. Specifically, for DAD: “empowering their children and encouraging them to explore and meet new people”…rough and tumble play supports self-exploration…dad is less of a “helicopter” that promotes their kids to figure things out more for themselves.
I know that every child is unique, but I wonder if the findings of the research analyzed in the article explains why my 2 year old son thinks it’s all right to walk way ahead of me in the park or playground and never look back … or maybe it’s because he is a boy … or maybe it is just bad parenting 🙁
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