ad, don’t underestimate the importance of a male role model in the life of your child.

While mothers tend to be key nurturers in the lives of America’s kids, fathers also play a very important role in terms of children’s psychological, emotional and social development.

“Men can have a great impact on their kids (and without sacrificing their masculinity) just by talking with them and spending time with them,” says Pete Stavinoha, Ph.D., a neuropsychologist on staff at Children’s Medical Center of Dallas.

Children who grow up influenced by either birth or surrogate fathers gain these benefits:

• Healthier gender identities
  
• Greater ability to have meaningful relationships
  
• Assertiveness and survival skills

Sons especially are better adjusted developmentally for adulthood thanks to healthy connections to Dad. They learn healthy ways to compete and adopt healthy attitudes regarding physicality and abilities.

A daughter, likewise, needs Dad’s influence. She gains life experience from her father.

Behaviorally, both genders start noticing the adult male in the home sometime during their toddler years. By the ages of 9 through 11, they explore their own gender identity, so the male role model balances the picture previously dominated by Mom.

By their teen years when faced with increased independence and responsibility, children need both male and female role models to set a foundation for healthy behaviors and boundaries that will last well into adulthood.

Sometimes, fathers tend to drag their feet to get involved, finding it hard to find time to spend with their children. And, working outside the home sometimes brings extra stress.

Ways to get involved in the life of your child include:

• Team up to do day-to-day chores around the house.
  
• Enjoy leisure activities together.
  
• Seek ways to fill in “Hi/Bye” conversations by sharing thoughts.
  
• Be sensitive to a child’s mood and respond accordingly.
  
• Participate in disciplining and child care alongside Mom.

In a family unit without a father figure, Mom should find a trusted male figure to be a positive role model to her children. Boys, in particular, need a role model in early adolescence and can benefit from a healthy relationship with a grandfather, an uncle, a scout master, a church leader or even a caring male friend.