For Better Grades You Need Dad

(This is an opinion on the article A father’s influence makes for better grades from Sciencedaily.com on November 16, 2016.)

Sex Roles (an article in Springer’s journal) has presented a study by Dr. Marie-Anne Suizzo of the University of Texas on a father’s influence in his child’s studies.

As pointed out, most studies focus on mothers involvement in youngsters’ studies but little is known on fathers’ influences.

 This new study is part of a larger one focusing on low-income, ethnic minority families conducted in four middle schools in the southwestern United States. Data were analyzed from questionnaires completed by 183 sixth-graders about how optimistic and motivated they were about their schoolwork, and how they experienced their fathers. The questionnaires were completed primarily by respondents of Mexican American, African American and European American descent. Their maths and language arts grades were also obtained. They were analyzed together with the questionnaire data. The research team took into account the influence that mothers have on their children’s well-being in their analyses.

Their findings show how fathers can support their teenagers in ways that result in greater optimism, self-efficacy, and, ultimately, higher achievement at school. This is even true for men with low levels of education or those who are not proficient enough in English to help their children with their homework.

 As pointed out in this:

Suizzo suggests that counselors and educators should encourage fathers to communicate warmth and acceptance to their children, because of the positive influence these emotions have on their well-being.

Children gain more confidence and their determination to strive harder in life is fortified through the warmth and acceptance felt from their fathers.

This one struck a nerve as it showed the importance of a father’s warmth and love in his child’s optimism.

As I look back to my past (ever challenging) parental journey, I can see that this study is right on. There were many times that I could have done better by being more positive, supportive, accepting, loving and warm to my children.

It’s a good thing I came across this, as it certainly told me to be a better father (or a least try to be one).

To try to be a better father would mean a lot, not for me or for some folks’ approval – it’s actually for my children’s brighter path to their future.- See more at: http://awinaway.com/2016/11/23/for-better-grades-you-need-dad/#sthash.SXMpDpb5.eyBuk97Y.dpuf