At Texas Health, we understand the vital role fathers play in the health and well-being of their families. From boosting academic success to enhancing social skills and emotional resilience, the presence of an involved father positively impacts every aspect of a child's growth. Dads bring a unique perspective and set of experiences to parenting, enriching their children's lives in ways that are both profound and lasting.

Younger generations of dads are spending more time (3x as much, to be exact) with their families than ever before, and 57% of Millennial dads report that fatherhood is central to their identity, compared to previous generations where careers were more defining.

That’s something that Dr. Ken Jones, Behavioral Health Clinical Officer for Texas Health Resources, loves to see.

“We are seeing fathers increased involvement in attending OB/GYN checkups and pediatric visits,” he explains. “Present-day dads are more likely to attend classes for expectant parents along with the mother and there are more and more classes offered for fathers individually if they are not in an active relationship with Mom.”

Additionally, Jones notes that younger dads tend to be more motivated to find ways to share parenting responsibilities with new moms.

The Benefits of Being an Involved Father

Involved fathers greatly benefit from increased engagement with their children. They are able to expand their ability for caring and nurturance, and they are able to gain a unique understanding of empathy. 

Some studies have shown that involved father’s also experience an increased sense of self-confidence and a greater emotional depth. Men who are involved in their children’s lives are more likely to participate in their communities, serve in civic or leadership positions, and they’re likely to attend church more often.    

Research also indicates that negative behaviors decrease among involved fathers.

They tend to have:

• Fewer accidental and premature deaths;
• Less than average contact with the criminal justice system;
• Less substance abuse;
• Fewer hospital admissions;
• A greater sense of overall well-being.

“One common misconception is the notion that fathers are secondary parents, often reinforced by comments like being asked to ‘babysit’ their kids,” Jones says. “However, parenting skills are not genetic; fathers can learn early caretaking duties alongside mothers and should be encouraged to do so.”

This early involvement supports bonding and boosts fathers' confidence, leading them to engage more in primary parenting duties, which Jones notes pays endless dividends for both the father and the family.

Research consistently shows that fathers who are actively engaged in their children's lives experience numerous personal benefits. Men with strong relationships with their children and spouses tend to have higher self-esteem, which can lead to better work performance and marital stability.

“Involved fathers demonstrate increased confidence in the workplace, and this confidence extends to their parenting skills and other social relationships,” Jones explains. “Many fathers describe an increased sense of purpose and meaning beyond the traditional role of providing financial stability.”

While we know that Mom’s hormone levels change during pregnancy, research indicates that fathers’ hormones change as well, specifically around the time of the baby’s birth. Both parents produce more of a hormone called prolactin, which helps them care for their baby. When dads hold their newborns close, they release a hormone called oxytocin, known as the love hormone, which helps them bond and form a strong emotional connection with their child.

“MRI images provide more evidence that men’s priorities change when they have kids,” Jones adds. “Brain scans of fathers and non-fathers showed that the reward-sensing region of dads’ brains lit up when they saw pictures of toddlers. Not so in the non-dads. Another study found that in the first four months of parenting, fathers showed increases in parts of the brain involved in parental motivation, including the hypothalamus and amygdala, among others.”

Quality Time Ideas for Dads

Fathers who care for, nurture, and play with their babies raise children with higher IQs and better language and cognitive skills. The more time fathers spend in enriching, stimulating play with their child — such as playing pretend or sharing stories — the better the child’s math and reading scores are at 10 and 11 years old.

“When fathers spend focused time with their children, it provides a safe place for them to share their emotions,” Jones explains. “Emotionally fluent children often develop into emotionally intelligent adults. Fathers can have a direct influence by encouraging these connections from an early age.”

According to the Department of Health & Human Services, studies consistently show mothers and fathers have different styles of playing and communicating, which both play unique but vital roles in child development. For example, fathers promote more exploratory, independent behavior on the part of their young children and also engage them in more physical and stimulating play than most mothers do.

“When fathers engage in play activities, children learn the art of taking chances and building resilience within a safe space,” Jones says. “This type of interaction allows kids to test their limits and develop coping skills while feeling supported by their fathers.”

Additionally, reading to children not only promotes bonding but also enhances their vocabulary and cognitive skills. It encourages contextual learning and sparks their imagination. By exploring different stories and ideas together, fathers can help their children develop critical thinking skills and a love for learning.

So how can dads prioritize quality time with their kids? The key is to choose activities you both enjoy and to be fully present and engaged. Put away phones, avoid distractions, and focus on quality time together.

Here are some fun, meaningful activity ideas:

• Go on a hike or bike ride together – physical activity is great for bonding and health
• Cook a meal as a family – teaching kids cooking skills builds confidence and healthy habits
• Have a game night with board games, video games, or outdoor games
• Read books together and discuss the stories – this supports literacy and emotional intelligence
• Go on a "daddy-child" date, like to the movies, museum, or park
• Volunteer in the community as a family – giving back teaches important values

Finding Support

Jones notes that developing dad-time rituals is crucial, as consistency is key to building strong connections with your children. Forming relationships with other engaged fathers can also be immensely beneficial.

"Effective parenting is a challenge, and the ability to share with and learn from other connected fathers can provide a tremendous source of support and growth," says Jones.

Taking care of your mental health is essential; it’s not only an investment in yourself but also one of the best gifts you can give your child. Fatherhood can be life-changing, so developing healthy habits is vital.

If you had a difficult relationship with your own father, reaching out for help can be incredibly beneficial. A counselor can assist you in dealing with those issues and provide tools to avoid repeating negative parenting behaviors.

“Remember, when you know better, you can do better,” Jones adds. “There are no perfect parents. Being willing to apologize when you’ve made a mistake sets a powerful example for a child. It’s as simple as accepting full responsibility for your actions and saying, ‘I made a mistake, I’m sorry, and I will do better next time.’”

Make Father's Day Last All Year

While Father's Day is a special time to celebrate dads, the benefits of an involved father-child relationship last all year round. We encourage all fathers to make spending quality time with their kids a consistent priority. The dividends it pays for your family's health and happiness are immeasurable.

This Father's Day, we salute all the dads out there making a difference in the lives of their children. Keep up the great work!