Fathers who are actively and positively involved in their children’s lives have the power to change the world.

Data from multiple studies has proven that involved fathers help their children succeed in social, economic and educational endeavors, according to Montana State University and Texas A&M.

Responsible fatherhood has been placed on a pedestal, and rightly so. The correlation between success and active fathers is very high. Correlation must not be confused for causation, but concerned and compassionate dads are often credited with laying the foundation of that yellow brick road to success.

What can you credit your dad for? According to the University of Guelph, just about everything stems from a father’s level of involvement. From self-esteem and confidence to curiosity, dads have played and will play a critical role in shaping their children’s personality and life abilities.

Children of highly involved fathers are superior academic achievers and are more likely to have a good attitude toward education, according to the University of Guelph. Academic support from a male father-figure was also important in helping adolescent boys’ motivation to work hard in school and feel that their grades were important.

The same trend applied to graduation, career success and psychological wellbeing. However, the ‘Dad effect,’ extends beyond cognitive ability to include competence in handling stressful situations, critical thinking, willingness to explore new situations, and resourceful problem solving.

Many positive qualities are linked with compassionate and involved fatherhood. Other factors, such as maternal relationships and family environment, certainly contribute to a child’s abilities in addition to a father’s role in raising a child.

Nonetheless, dads are still important. Fathers are a colossal force in shaping the next generation and their ability to problem solve.

Dads are also credited with teaching their children how to behave in relationships, according to Psychology Today. Through seeing a positive parental relationship, children are better able to respect other perspectives and negotiate.

Psychology and science unite to give good dads a five-star rating, which is something that children know intuitively.

Most scientific sources shy away from quantifying the traits of a good dad, but most agree that spending time playing and caring for children is the sign of a parent who is on the right track.

As Dad’s Weekend arrives, students should remember that spending time with dad is good for the soul. There’s even science to back it up.