Father's level of education and success on the job is linked with children's intellectual abilities. Children of highly involved fathers show increased cognitive competence, empathy and motivation to succeed. Children of highly involved fathers have fewer psychological and behavioral problems, are less likely to become delinquent, and are less likely to use drugs. Children who receive advice and help from parents, especially from Dad, are likely never to use drugs. In two-parent families, father involvement also positively influences marriages.
Mothers are happier and treat their children better.
Fathers, also, benefit personally from their involvement. Men's sense of personal happiness and satisfaction is more strongly linked to their family roles than their work roles. And, contrary to expectation, involved fathers can actually have greater job success. For instance, in one four-decade study, involved fathers were more likely to advance in their occupations. While there is much to learn about the role of fathers, good research and common sense shows that involved fatherhood makes a difference in the lives of children, mothers and fathers themselves.