The Importance of Fatherhood

RM 211

A review of fatherhood and the outcomes of cognitively functioning fathers are discussed in multiple contexts. The authors suggest that the presence of a cognitively functioning father is essential to the positive development of a socially well-adjusted child. Fatherhood is defined as a socially constructed identity/role that one identifies with. Being a father is not directly linked to biologically born males. Cognitively functioning fathers have a considerable amount of traits that distinguish themselves from other fathers. First, these father figures are considered educators for their child. AS an educator, the adult promotes language skills and brain growth of the child. Additionally, a cognitively functioning father is both emotionally and financially supportive of their child. Being emotionally supportive starts as soon as the child is born. A father can financially support his child through work and other resources. A cognitively functioning father is also socially well adjusted and a helpful co-parent. A father that is socially well adjusted teaches their child socially appropriate behavior. A helpful co-parent entails emotional, physical and financial support. These aspects of fatherhood will be reviewed throughout the text. Some of these dimensions will have occasional overlap due to the nature of the traits of cognitively functioning fathers.