In far too many instances, fathers are pushed to the side. Their relationships with their children suffer as a result. For some men, this leads them to simply disengage from their children, especially when an aggressive mother denies a father’s access to his children. Don’t let this happen to you. After all, the presence of an active father in a child’s life can have a profound impact.
The impact of a father’s presence
A father who is present and actively engaged in his child’s life can have a positive impact on that child in both the short and the long-term. Here are just a few of the ways that a child can be positively affected:
- Less likely to engage in risky behaviors
- More likely to have healthy relationships
- Decreased risk of developing psychological problems
- Increased IQ scores
- More likely to obtain higher-paying jobs
Again, these are just some of the ways in which an active father can positively impact his child. So, as you can see, there’s a lot at stake when it comes to your involvement.
What is an “active” father?
This really depends on the circumstances. If you live close to your child, then this may mean showing up to extracurricular activities or taking your child to dinner. Merely showing up is oftentimes half the battle. However, you also want to have meaningful contact with your child. Quality is oftentimes more important than quantity. So, try to make interactions with your child as warm, loving, and supportive as possible. If you live far away from your child, then this may have to be done through letters, phone calls, and video chats.
Protect your rights as a father
Far too often, fathers’ rights are trampled. To avoid that happening to you, think about taking the legal action that is necessary to preserve contact with your child. This may come in the form of an initial custody order, which may require the establishment of paternity, or it might involve modification of an existing custody order. Either way, skilled legal advocates stand ready to help you advocate for your rights and your relationship with your child.
