Importance of Fatherhood

Making a difference through involvement

When fathers are involved in their children's education, children are more likely to get A's and enjoy school.[1] Also violent crime, drug use and teen pregnancy are lower with involved fathers.[2] To put it succinctly, Dr. Kyle Pruett, Yale University Child Psychology Professor, in the upcoming documentary “The Evolution of Dad,” says:

“If you want to reduce gang membership, teen pregnancy, dropping out of school, abuse and neglect of children and substance abuse, you can do it by engaging fathers early and often in the lives of their children.”

At-home dads, as the daily, primary caregivers of their children, are very involved fathers. These fathers, in the most extreme way, are proving the value of fatherhood. And, what’s most exciting, the trend of men choosing to be at home with their children has grown by 60% over the last 4 years[3], meaning more and more fathers are realizing how positive of an influence they can make upon their children.

As more and more dads learn about the success of at-home dads, they can begin to see how they too can be more involved in the lives of their children. So, in a way, at-home dads are showing all fathers that they too can change a diaper and change the world.

1. Fathers' Involvement in Their Children's Schools. National Center for Education Statistics. Washington DC: GPO, 1997.

2. Warren Farrell, PhD, Father and Child Reunion (2001)

3. Today Show, airdate April 2, 2008