Not just our dads and the fathers to our children, but all the men who have made a positive impact on a child s life. A number of recently published studies call attention to the effects of good fathering. But we don t need a study to understand that the men in our lives matter, whether he s a husband who lives at home, an ex-husband who lives across town, a stepfather, a grandfather, an uncle, or a mentor in the community. In fact, research shows that women with supportive partners experience fewer health complications in pregnancy and have better attitudes about the inevitable physical changes to their own bodies. Studies indicate that even labor and delivery may be shorter and easier when your partner is by your side.
Men lend a sense of self-control.
They model their work ethic. They make us laugh and help us develop a sense of humor. They help their daughters understand how to relate to men and the meaning of trust and intimacy in all relationships. They help their sons understand what it means to be a husband and a father and a man. This Father s Day, let us remember the father s role.