Becoming new dads is an exciting and life-changing journey, but it can also come with uncertainty and questions. Whether you’re preparing for your baby’s arrival or navigating the early days of fatherhood, understanding your role can make a big difference. Here are four important insights from doctors that every new dad should know to support their child’s development and build a strong, lasting bond.
4 Things the Doctor Wants New Dads to Know
#1 Dad is the Hero in Their Child’s Eyes
It’s not just the mother whom children look to—on the contrary, children often see their father as their hero and tend to imitate his behavior. That’s why pediatricians encourage fathers to be mindful of their actions, whether it’s smoking, drinking alcohol in front of their kids, or even small things like always wearing a seatbelt in the car. These actions can significantly impact their children as they grow, learn, and begin making decisions for themselves.
Fathers should be involved in parenting from the beginning—through play and conversations—so that children see their father as a supportive friend and a teacher. This helps foster a strong father-child bond.
#2 Dad Helps Boost Their Child’s Language Skills
Spending time talking to a baby from pregnancy through the newborn stage has been shown to positively affect the child’s later language development. While research shows that mothers generally spend more time talking to their children than fathers do, dads also play a crucial role in promoting language skills.
A 2006 study published in the Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology found that the vocabulary used by fathers has a significant impact on their children’s language development over time. Additionally, the book Do Fathers Matter? explains that while mothers often use words that children are already familiar with, fathers tend to introduce new and unfamiliar vocabulary—contributing to broader language exposure for the child.
#3 Dad is a Playmate
The way dads and moms play with their children is naturally different. Fathers often engage in more adventurous and physically active play, which benefits children’s physical development. This kind of play also helps children understand boundaries and limitations, encouraging them to explore the world freely and curiously.
Children’s development thrives on exploration and independence—both of which require a foundation of safety and protection. Mothers and fathers can each take on roles that best support their child’s growth.
Researchers have even discovered that a father’s oxytocin levels—the so-called “love hormone”—can increase when he engages in adventurous play with his children.
#4 Dads Can Experience Depression Too
Postpartum depression is often associated with mothers, but fathers can also experience it. In fact, depressive symptoms in fathers can persist well beyond infancy—even into the years when children are no longer in diapers. A study published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine found that over 20% of fathers can experience depression, even when their children are as old as 12.
This may stem from the pressure of balancing work and family life—a major stressor for many dads. When either parent is struggling emotionally, it can affect the well-being of the child. That’s why it’s important for both parents to support one another and find ways to maintain emotional health and happiness together.
Originally published on theAsianparent Thailand
