More and more studies are being done that show the importance of strong bonds between dads and kids. Many of us have known this intuitively for years, and will not be surprised as more research confirms dad’s role in healthy, strong kids.
The most recent study, done with 1200 children ages 11 to 15, by the Children’s Society in Great Britain, shows that kids who spend time with dad are happier than those who don’t. Kids who talk to to their dads “most days” give themselves an average of 87 out of a 100 on a happiness scale, versus 79 for those who do not. The Children’s Society says that these results echo those in another study that show that happiness in adult life can be correlated with stronger relationships with parents during the teen years.
In the study, 28% of kids say they “hardly ever” speak to their moms about important subjects. That number rises to 50% for kids talking to dads.
Like the famous studies showing the value of roughhouse play, which is almost always done by dads, this study confirms our belief in the importance of promoting stronger dad child bonds.