
In the development and growth of children, not only the role of the mother is needed. However, the role of the father greatly determines the mental condition and development of the child, even when the baby is still in the womb. Maybe most people assume that a newborn baby only needs the figure of his mother and only the mother can take care, care for, and know all the needs of the baby. But did you know that the role of fathers in caring for their children is very important, it can even influence cognitive development and develop children’s behavior to adulthood?
Child development is influenced by the role of the father from an early age
A study involving groups of children born from 2000 to 2001 was conducted to examine the role of fathers regarding the development of behaviors and cognitive abilities of children. The time of data collection is divided into 3 times, namely when children aged 9 months to 3 years, 3 years to 5 years, and when children move 5 years to 7 years.
The researchers used several tests to see the behavior and psychological health of children which were then analyzed based on the age group of the children studied. From the results of research conducted in the UK, it was found that children who are close to their father since the age of 9 months tend to be more active and creative when they are 5 years old. This is evidenced by the SDQ test value, which is a test that measures children’s psychological health. Besides, fathers who have cared for, given attention to, and participated in helping care for children since 9 months old children, have more children who have well-controlled emotions.
Another study conducted in 2007 also stated that the role of fostering fathers towards children formed an inner bond between father and child, forming the behavior and psychological condition of the child until he grew up. While children who do not get or feel their father’s role early on, tend to have emotions that are unstable and have many problems in relationships when they are teenagers.
The earlier the attention is given by the father, the better for the child’s emotions later
From the two studies described earlier, it is evident that the role of fathers is very important in the growth and development of children, even when children are very early. From parents, children get various lessons that they did not get at school. In a study conducted in the United Kingdom, it was also stated that simple behaviors such as carrying, hugging, inviting children to play since the age of 9 months, carried out by fathers can make children have creative behaviors and their psychology develops well. Meanwhile, children who have just felt the attention of their father when they are 5 years old, tend to have more behavioral problems than children who have felt that attention when they are 9 months old.
Not only good for psychological health, but the role of fathers in caring for and taking care of children from an early age also proved to be able to form social competence, initiatives towards the environment, and more easily adapt to new environments. In contrast to children who grow up with the role and attention of fathers around them, children who grow up without fathers tend to have behavioral problems when they are in school, such as being difficult to focus, feeling isolated, feeling different from other children, and more often not attending school.
Some theories suggest that boys who do not get their father’s attention, on average, often experience sadness, depression, hyperactivity, and moodiness. Whereas girls whose fathers do not take part in their care will tend to be overly independent and individualistic. Even a study that examines the behavior of children with the role of fathers, found that a sense of loss of the father’s figure, or feeling less cared for by the father will make children more emotional and have behavioral disorders when the child enters adolescence.
Father’s role in the eyes of the law
So given the importance of the role of father, the State has guaranteed the right of father’s rights in law. Various legal provisions in each state mark the importance of a father’s role.
This becomes very important when there are family disputes like Oklahoma.
fathers rights Oklahoma are a form of legal aid for the importance of fathers, and that is respect for fathers.