But that thinking has changed. Fathers play complex, multidimensional roles, from companions, care providers, and protectors to moral guides, teachers and breadwinners, says Thornton, who will highlight national research on fatherhood during a talk on Thursday, June 19. The most direct way fathers influence their children is through daily interactions. Studies continue to show that fathers spend much less time with their children than mothers do, Thornton says. Indirectly, fathers can be a source of emotional support to mothers and others who are involved in the care of their children.
Studies show that when fathers are unsupportive and marital conflict is high, children suffer.
In general, fathers still do not assume the same levels of responsiblity for child rearing as the mothers, even in families in which both parents work. The nation is beginning to see slow increases in the level of paternal participation. Some men's perceptions of parenting as a maternal role may be a factor in why the number of fathers who take major roles in child rearing has not increased significantly, Thornton says. Another may be institutional barriers and workplace rules, such as lack of flex time and paternity leave. Women's attitudes toward the father's involvement also have been slow to change over the past 20 years.