Recently, I was reading some very important research about the science of fatherhood, or “why Dad’s matter” to their children, especially to their girl children.

Everyone will pretty much agree that a Dad has an important role in the life of their child, but I wanted to learn more about what research is saying about the role of fathers in the lives of their daughters–our students at The Rosary. As a Headmistress of a large all-girls school, it is, perhaps, natural to inquire: “In what ways do Dad’s influence their daughters?”

Research studies have found that a Dad’s role in their daughter’s life turns out to be highly influential in a number of ways.

• If a child’s father is “affectionate, supportive, and involved, this can contribute greatly to their child’s cognitive, language, and social development, as well as academic achievement, a strong inner core resource, sense of well-being, good self-esteem, and authenticity.” http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-gail-gross/the-important-role-of-dad_b_5489093.html
• Dad’s tend to be highly influential in teaching their children the meaning of persistence and of perseverance.
• Children who are loved by actively involved fathers, tend to have less behavioral problems, and that they are somewhat more protected against depression, delinquency, alcohol and drug abuse. http://www.livescience.com/20997-science-fatherhood-fathers-day.html

So, studies confirm what most of us suspect: Dad’s who are active and involved in their daughter’s lives are very important: You MATTER!