A father has been the primary authority figure in families for many centuries.

It’s that time of the year when fathers visit the Wazzu to celebrate the weekend named in their honor. Students should use this opportunity to celebrate their father and other male figures in their life.

Children whose biological fathers are absent are on average at least two to three times more likely to be poor, engage in drug use, and experience educational, health, emotional, and behavioral problems, according to Fatherhood.org. They are also more likely to engage in criminal behavior than their peers who live with their married, biological or adoptive parents.

A critical factor to parenting is the relationship the father builds and keeps with the child’s mother. Research on the father’s role suggests that the influence of a father’s love on a child’s development is as great as the influence of a mother’s love, according to Apa.org. Fatherly love helps children develop a sense of place in the world.

Both parents tend to facilitate moral development. Having a father figure in a child’s life provides a better chance of discipline and guidance; essentially learning right from wrong. A mother can also provide guidance, but a father carries an air intimidating dominance.

Dads are role models to their children throughout their entire lives, and they are the strong beings that children look up to. Typically, dads are more protective and soft toward their daughters and more physically active with their sons.

Fathers also help shape the adults their children will become. For example, when fathers model behavior that is respectful to women, their sons tend to follow in their footsteps. Conversely, when their father is a gentleman, daughters know what to look for someone who resembles the same loving, protective and well-mannered characteristics.

Confidence is a trait that many people have a problem with. When children have a father figure they are more likely to encourage self-confidence by pushing the importance to go the extra mile. This may come off as assertive and frustrating, but fathers should be there to teach that not everything is easy, and you have to work for what you want.

This holds true with education. Many children learn at a young age that school is very important. “Without education you can’t get a good job,” is a common scare tactic used by fathers to inspire children to improve their work ethic in order to succeed.

When parenting, fathers impart unique lessons that no one else can replicate. In doing so, it helps children become productive on their path to adulthood. Numerous studies have reached the same conclusion that children with involved fathers have a social, emotional and academic advantage.

Modern day fathers can contribute to their child’s life by providing support in all aspects and by maintaining a healthy relationship.

-Chelsea Keyes is a sophomore communication major from Tacoma. She can be contacted at 335-2290 or by [email protected]. The opinions expressed in this column are not necessarily those of the staff of The Daily Evergreen or those of Student Publications.