The social role of the father and its impact on the prenatal and future development of the child

There is no denying that today's fathers have a completely different vision of their role compared to fathers fifty years ago. Most of them become involved with their partners from the moment they become pregnant (in the case of a heterosexual couple) and take to heart the place they occupy in the lives of their offspring.

Emotional support

By being involved in this great work of carrying life, the father can offer important emotional support , whether it is listening to his partner's symptoms and discomforts in order to offer support, taking an interest in each stage of prenatal development and participating in follow-up meetings and appointments. His involvement and support can reduce maternal stress, which is an important influencing factor for both the baby's development and the mother.

Prenatal stimulation

Interacting with the unborn baby by talking, singing or caressing the belly as well as planning various future family projects can stimulate the sensory development of the fetus and promote an early bond between the father and the unborn child , knowing that it is sometimes difficult for the father to realize the adventure that awaits him since he does not see his body change and does not feel the baby move.

Parental engagement

The father's involvement from the moment the pregnancy is announced helps create a stable and secure family environment for the child , which acts as an important protective factor for his long-term development.

Act as a role model

Fathers play a vital role as role models for their children. Their behavior and interactions with other family members can influence the child's values ​​and attitudes, with siblings seeing their father contribute to the family dynamic and become involved during pregnancy.

Shared responsibility

Father's involvement in the care and upbringing of the child promotes shared parental responsibility , which can reduce the mental burden on the other parent and strengthen family bonds.

An asset on cognition

Studies show that father presence and involvement are associated with better cognitive and social outcomes in children . Children with involved fathers tend to perform better academically and have more developed social skills.

In summary, the social role of the father is multidimensional and has a significant impact on the prenatal and future development of the child , contributing to his emotional health, cognitive and social development, as well as the creation of a stable and harmonious family environment.

References:

Lamb ME, ed. (2010) The role of the father in child development. New York: John Wiley and Sons.

Shwalb DW, Shwalb BJ, Lamb, ME, eds. (2013) Fathers in cultural context. New York: Routledge.

Marlowe F. (2000). Paternal investment and the human mating system. Behavioral Processes, 51(1):45-61.

McWayne C, Downer JT, Campos R, Harris RD. (2013). Father involvement during early childhood and its association with children's early learning: A meta-analysis. Early Education & Development, 24(6):898-922.