A daddy matters. He matters to his sons and his daughters. Even a father (a dad who is not visiting or actively participating, but just mildly engaged or only pays child support) matters.

Father’s Day is a time to celebrate the incredible dads who play such a vital role in their children’s lives. Beyond the celebrations, it’s important to recognize the profound impact a father has on the healthy growth and mental well-being of their children, particularly young girls.

I once heard that you can see the difference between moms and dads when you see them swimming with their children. A mom tends to swim with the child in their arms or facing them nose to nose, holding smaller children tightly to them. Meanwhile most dads swim with their children facing out, ready to throw the children or become a launchpad for exploration, preplanning the child being pushed from the nest when ready to fly. In a recent funny social media post I saw, there was a father in a pool in Sunset Beach, North Carolina drinking an “adult beverage” while his kids were just basically maniacs in the water behind him while his wife yelled at him to pay attention. Funny and yet … kind of reality I have seen repeatedly.

Don’t get me wrong, had one of the children needed rescuing, we both know he would have jumped to, set his beverage on a hard surface, and ensured the child’s safety right in the knick of time. We all know how southern dads will save their beverage and the item (or child) in danger both, in a reasonable order and fashion. On a serious note though, here is why a dad being active and playing with this children, even while planning their exit from the nest from the beginning, is important.

Building Self-Esteem and Confidence
Fathers play a critical role in developing their children’s self-esteem and confidence. It’s why so many schools have a daddy-daughter dance now. In Brunswick County the city of Southport even held a Darling Daughter Dance, which was a fundraiser this past year where fathers, grandfathers, uncles and other adult male role models were invited to bring little girls for a princess experience, red carpet photos, and some self-esteem building fun. When a father actively participates in his daughter’s life, she learns to value herself and her abilities. Dads who show their daughters that they are worthy of love and respect help them build a positive self-image. This foundation of self-worth is crucial as they navigate the challenges of adolescence and adulthood, especially dating relationships as they grow older.

Academic and Social Success
Research has shown that girls with involved fathers tend to perform better academically and develop stronger social skills. Fathers who encourage curiosity and problem-solving foster a love of learning in their daughters. When a father helps his son build one of the cars to race in the Pinewood Derby, they learn to trust themselves. You can see the interplay between young boys growing through experience with their fathers like some of the dads who helped their sons from Boy Scouts Pack 451 in Durham, North Carolina in January 2024 (video on Facebook). Literally, you can see the light in the boys’ eyes. Additionally, the confidence gained from a father’s support helps young girls and boys form healthy relationships with their peers, leading to a well-rounded social development.

A Positive Male Role Model
For young children, having a positive male role model is crucial in developing a healthy understanding of gender roles and relationships. Fathers who treat others with respect and kindness set an example for their daughters and sons, teaching them what to expect and accept in their future relationships. This understanding helps young girls develop healthy boundaries and self-respect. Boys tend to have more healthy friendships in their teenage years and are well adjusted.

Conclusion
The importance of a dad in the healthy growth and mental health of children, particularly young girls, cannot be overstated. Fathers who are actively involved in their daughters’ lives provide a foundation of love, support, and guidance that shapes their daughters’ futures. A Dad who is actively involved in his son’s lives provides boundary modeling and protection. This Father’s Day, let’s celebrate the dads who make a difference and recognize the lasting impact they have on their children’s lives.

As an attorney dedicated to supporting families, I am here to help fathers navigate any legal challenges they may face. Whether it’s custody, support, or any family law matter, I am committed to ensuring that dads have the resources they need to continue being the heroes in their children’s lives. Happy Father’s Day! #FathersDay #FamilyLaw #DadsMatter