New Research Shows That Dads That Get Encouragement From Their Partners Are More Likely To Help With Daily Care Of Baby

Do you wish dad would take a more active role in the daily care of  baby? Dust off your pom-pons and start cheering him on because a new study suggests that fathers that receive active encouragement from their partner are more involved with childcare. Read on to find out why his involvement is so important and how you can get him involved.

By Gayle Trent

 

According to an Ohio State University study of 97 couples, fathers are more involved in the day-to-day care of their infants when they receive active encouragement from their wife or partner. In fact, this encouragement was important even after taking into account fathers’ and mothers’ views about how involved dads should be, the overall quality of the couple’s parenting relationship and how much moms worked outside the home.

“Mothers are in the driver’s seat,” says Sara Schoppe-Sullivan, author of the study and assistant professor of human development and family science at Ohio State University. “Mothers can be very encouraging to fathers and open the gate to their involvement in child care, or [they can] be very critical and close the gate.”

This study, conducted by Schoppe-Sullivan, Elizabeth Cannon, Geoffrey Brown and Sara Mangelsdorf  and Margaret Szewczyk Sokolowski, appeared in the June 2008 issue of the Journal of Family Psychology. The study included 97 couples in the Midwest who were married or cohabitating and expecting a child when the study began.

Dad’s Involvement Is Crucial
It turns out that dad’s role is more important than simply helping out mom, but also helps children excel in school.  Childcare guide Robin McClure cites research from a U.S. Department of Education study which indicates that the role of fathers in school and child care helps with the achievement of children.

“Research found that the children from two-parent homes where fathers participated in activities (such as school meetings; parent-teacher conferences; school or childcare activities or events; or volunteerism) were more likely to receive higher grades, participate in extracurricular activities, and be happier in a child care or school setting.”

Furthermore, when such participation begins early, it is likely to continue.

How Mom Can Involve Dad
Here are some tips on getting your partner involved with your children:

  • If you haven’t given birth yet, this is a wonderful time to begin involving Dad. Invite him to OB visits and ultrasounds.
  • Be encouraging rather than critical. Granted, Dad might not do things the same way you do, but that’s okay. Perfectionism and a “my way is best” mindset could be your (and your child’s) worst enemies.
  • Even if your parenting styles are different, they can be complimentary.
  • Make sure you’re not giving your husband/partner a backseat role. He might feel he’s taking a backseat to the baby in your life and a backseat to you with regard to the baby. Make time for the two of you to reconnect as a couple and for him to connect with the baby.
  • Be a partner, not a manager.
  • Help your husband/partner to feel important and appreciated.
  • Talk openly about what each of you expects, wants and needs.
  • First-time moms have a lot of anxiety. If you become aware that you’re holding your breath every time Dad picks up the baby, for example, let him know you’re just as nervous about Grandma, Aunt Jo and even the pediatrician holding baby!
  • Avoid constantly “rescuing” your child from Dad.
  • Socialize with other new parents and/or encourage Dad to network with other involved fathers.

     

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