Fathers Have More Influence in A Daughter’s Life Than Mothers, Studies Show

When it comes to mothers and daughters we all kind of believe that this bond is the greatest one in the world. Many would even say that a mother is all a daughter needs, which according to research is not entirely true. Recent studies have shown that daughters not only benefit from a fatherly figure in their life, but that fathers which are emotionally involved and present in their daughters’ lives are essential for their proper emotional development.

WHY DADS MATTER EMOTIONALLY

A study published in the Journal of Family Psychology has found that daughters who have great relationships with their fathers are at lower risk of developing depression and anxiety and are better at handing stress. In addition, they are more comfortable talking about their emotions and this allows them to be prepared for fulfilling relationships later on.
Thinks like relationships, sexuality, values, and self-image are additional things that fathers shape for their daughters. When a dad forms a healthy relationship with his daughter, he basically helps her create a positive self-image and boosts her self-confidence.

WHY DADS MATTER PRACTICALLY

Aside from the emotional factor, fathers play a huge role in their daughters’ physical and financial health. Rutgers conducted a study which revealed that daughters who had a more involved father in their childhood were more likely to be well-off financially and physically healthier compared to those with uninvolved or absent fathers.
Fathers are usually perceived as a symbol of financial stability, which in combination with the physical and emotional well-being provides for a successful and financially established daughter.

INVOLVED FROM THE BEGINNING

Fathers who are involved from the very beginning and whose bond is stronger are able to reap and provide all the benefits mentioned above. Earlier involvement is relatively new concepts, given that about seven decades ago fathers couldn’t even be present in the room when their daughters were born.
These days, there are more opportunities for men to be involved from the very beginning. They can feed their girls using formula, rock them to sleep, change their diapers and many more, which allows them to build a special bond from the start.

INFLUENCE OF MEDIA

Despite the greater opportunities for early involvement, there are negative effects from the media that men find hard to overcome. For instance, fathers are portrayed as idiots who are completely unaware of women and their needs. But, it is important for men to look at these poor portrayals as something insignificant and recognize them as stereotypes which shouldn’t be followed.

ROLE OF MOMS

While having a dad around is of utmost importance, this s not to diminish the role of mothers. Mothers provide valuable advice about what it means to be a successful woman and are the ones that provide their daughters with information on puberty, menstruation, and so on.
Sources: http://seizepositivity.com, peacequarters.com, ifstudies.org