It comes as no surprise to me that a recent study has found how important the role of the father is on their children’s cognitive and emotional development and wellbeing.
I am very fortunate to be married to a man who is entirely comfortable hugging and kissing and cuddling with his boy. From infancy Nick has been actively involved in Owen's life - certainly much more than our fathers were and much more than many of the fathers we have observed over the past few years. I attribute much of Owen's character to the role his father plays.
I have noticed that the few bullies at Owen's daycare (yes, there are bullies in daycare) have fathers who are uninvolved, and when they are involved are rather distant. I think it is surprising in these times that fathers would hesitate to hug their sons, but as Owen grows older we are learning that, sadly, Nick's affection for Owen is not necessarily the norm. Hopefully more studies like the one above will cause fathers to rethink the impact that they have on their children.
And to all of those involved fathers out there (and I do know a lot of them) kudos and keep up the good work!
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On our way home from vacation I thought of this blog. We were grabbing something to eat in Princeton and Wyatt stood up on his seat and turned to Clay and said "daddy, I love you" and then sat down and kept eating. Clay turned to him and told him that he loved him as well. People were looking at us like we were from outerspace. I guess it isn't as common as we would hope it to be.
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