Episode-33--Four types of fathers and why fathers matter in raising, caring, and parenting their children

In this podcast, Dr. Anyoha identifies four types of fathers: 1, those who play an active part in caring for and raising their children from day one; 2, those who are bystanders, who leave parenting to women; 3, those who would rather wait until their children are older and relatively independent before they begin to play a role; and 4, those who are unavoidably absent or excluded from caring for their children. 

Dr Anyoha underscores the crucial role of early father involvement in caring for and parenting their children. This knowledge empowers fathers to take an active role in their children's lives from the very beginning, setting the stage for a strong and healthy parent-child relationship.

Parenting behavior that generates the connecting tissue of love, affection, and relationship begins early and is part of parents' routines.

Things like being around your baby, holding them when it might seem they might not tell the difference between you and another person, talking to them when it seems they might not hear you—-they do. Locking eyes with them when it might seem they might not recognize you—they do. 

According to Dr Anyoha, though mundane, these activities are the building blocks of bonding and quality infant-parent relationships, ongoing inner well-being, and the capacity for the child to begin learning, acquire words and use language, learn words and speak, and gain knowledge. 

A father's approval holds significant sway over a child's behavior. Boys, in particular, who have not bonded well with their fathers may exhibit resentment and rebellion through misbehavior and trouble-seeking. This behavior often stems from a deep-seated desire to gain their father's attention, highlighting fathers' profound influence on their children's emotional development.