According to the Fatherhood Initiative, that s the message on television shows. The group recently surveyed prime time sit-coms and dramas finding that most shows portrayed fathers as either successful or involved with their kids, but not both. Real life dads are shattering the myth. They say work and family are not mutually exclusive.
Successful dads can have a big impact on a child s life.
Dad s teach tough and competitive play as well as risk-taking. Studies show a dad s sink or swim manner can actually stretch a child emotionally, teaching them to rely on themselves and aggressively navigate the outside world. When they have to sort of confront their own difficult emotions maybe thrill or fear, it s more of a growing experience than with a more quiet, nurturing parenting style, says pediatrician, Dr. Karen Dewling. While the Fatherhood Initiative suggests that television portrays fathers that are more competent as less involved. Real life fathers say the opposite is often true.