I think what attracted me to my husband, Tom, was that I finally met someone who had the qualities I'd grown to expect. Children need their fathers in their lives, from infancy into adulthood. Changing times have affected the father's role. This makes the father's role even more crucial. Most fathers are eager to be involved in parenting, yet research shows that may fathers spend little time with their infants or with daughters.
Mothers often assume a larger role in early parenting, partly because of traditional expectations.
Women are socialized to feel more comfortable in giving care to infants and to develop more skill with young children. Women, however, do not have a monopoly on parenting skills. Dads also can learn to understand an infant's needs and how to provide comfort and care. A father's parenting style affects the child. Authoritative fathers take the time to listen, guide, support, and show affection to children, but they also set limits.