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What a Father Is Worth
The Invaluable Lessons Dads Teach Us
By Gina Roberts-Grey, LCSW
The role of fathers has drastically changed in the past few decades. The images of fathers returning home from work, patting their children on the head and sitting with a drink to quietly read the paper without much family interaction remain forever encapsulated in the portrayal of many television dads of prior generations. These characters serve as a reminder of the importance of fatherly advice and participation. Beyond being a financial supporter of the family, or the principal exterminator of all things creepy, fathers are vital to a child's development.
The reality is alarming. According to a study performed by The Families and Work Institute, children who do not have close and trusting relationships with their father have a relationship disadvantage as adults. A child who is not attached to his father by the age of 5 often has lower self-esteem and self-confidence at age 10. The study showed these children are less likely to be freely accepted by their peer group and may have difficulty adjusting to school.
The actions of dads often receive close scrutiny and widespread criticism. Television shows, radio ads and talk show hosts are quick to point out the importance of fathers spending time with their children. "All the criticism and comments are aimed at encouraging participation without explaining the significance of a father's role," says Dean Mazurski, a family therapist from Springfield, Mo.
What seems to be lost in the message is the importance of a father regardless of his marital status or professional ambitions. During the past two decades, experts such as Mazurski have realized that while separated, divorced dads who work long hours tend to bear the burden of stereotyping, every
