Fathering and Childhood Development

Jaipaul L. Roopnarine, Ph.D., Pearl S. Falk Professor, Department of Human Development and Family Science, Syracuse University, USA, Professor Extraordinary, Department of Psychology, Anton de Kom University, Paramaribo, Suriname, and Visiting Professor, University of Guyana, Georgetown, Guyana.

Fathering and Childhood Development

Fathers play a vital role in honoring children’s rights to safe and nurturing home environments. Research from across diverse cultural communities, including those in the Caribbean region, point to the importance of morally intelligible fathering in advancing the optimal development of social and cognitive skills in young children.

Here are some important ways in which fathers influence children’s development across the world:

• Children form attachments (emotional bonds) to both mothers and fathers between 7-9 months of age. Developing secure emotional ties to mothers and fathers is dependent on sensitivity in care extended to children (e.g., warmth, developmentally appropriate responsiveness, consistency and promptness in caregiving). Whereas about two-thirds of children show secure attachments to parents, others show insecure patterns (avoidant, anxious, and disorganized-disoriented). A significant body of research indicates that secure father-child attachment bonds lay the foundation for the development of adequate social skills that are necessary for the formation of relationships with others.
• Early positive father engagement is associated with less behavioral difficulties such as conduct problems and internalizing (depressive symptoms) and externalizing (acting out, aggression) behaviors in young children. At the same time, harsh parenting practices by fathers (e.g., belittling, hitting), conflict, and unavailability are associated with negative social outcomes in children.
• It is also true that multilevel family relationships (spousal support, appropriate conflict resolution strategies, affection displayed toward female partner) affect fathering and, in turn, childhood development. For instance, spousal/partner conflicts affect coparenting (supportive versus undermining) and childhood development negatively. By contrast, positive father involvement and harmonious couple relationships can function as protective factors against behavioral risks to children.

 What do we know about Caribbean fathers’ level of engagement with children?

Fathers across Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries have children in diverse mating unions—visiting, common-law, and marital. Regardless of couple relationship patterns, the quality of father engagement with children in Caribbean cultural communities have similar influences on children as those observed in other cultural communities across the world. Drawing on three recent studies conducted on fathers from different ethnic groups in Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, it was found that engagement in early stimulation activities such as reading to, playing with, counting and naming objects are variously linked to children/s early literacy and social skills. The acquisition of adequate competencies in early literacy and social skills (e.g., emotional and behavioral regulation) assist children in the transition to early schooling and in the formation of early peer relationships.

To enhance children’s social and cognitive development, it is critical that Caribbean fathers:

• Read, sing, and play with children.
• Have conversations about cultural heritage and practices—ethnic socialization.
• Provide consistent love and guidance.
• Offer children a safe and secure environment, with economic support and learning materials.
• Employ democratic modes of engagement that respect children’s developmental level and input.
• Avoid physical punishment and use verbal explanations and redirection instead.
• Examine your own internal working models of what it means to be a man and father.
• Forge strong bonds and collaborate with your partner to advance the best interests of children.

Remember—you can make a significant difference in how your child performs in school and behaves in the family and community. Fathering is serious work and begins prior to pregnancy. Being physically around children is not enough. Being psychologically available is a key aspect of fathering. Men derive personal growth and tremendous satisfaction from parenting. Get involved with your child!