BOSTON, Mass. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — This Father’s Day, as families celebrate the bonds that shape us, scientific research increasingly highlights the profound influence fathers have on their children’s development. Studies show that actively involved fathers are linked to children with greater emotional security, enhanced social skills, and even higher academic achievement. Beyond these benefits, experts also say nurturing adaptability, resilience, and a deep connection to nature is becoming increasingly crucial for preparing children for the future.
Courtney Wisdom is savoring the day on the blueberry farm with his daughters Zuri and Suri. From learning where their food comes from…
“It brings more of a connection to the land,” said Courtney.
To cultivating values in a rapidly changing world.
“I brought the girls out here because I think it’s really important for kids today to touch dirt,” Courtney told Ivanhoe.
“A foundation for earth stewardship is a deep connection to the natural world, what I call foundational connections,” said George Scarlett, PhD, child developmental psychologist at Tufts University.
He emphasizes that these moments have a lasting impact.
“Foundational connections are those moments where there’s a lot of curiosity and awe and wonder,” stated Prof. Scarlett.
Harvard Medical School child psychologist James McKowen, PhD, says engaging with nature can help alleviate climate anxiety.
“Nature engagement’s really helpful for mental health,” he explained.
Open communication about environmental concerns is key.
“I think number one is don’t be afraid of a conversation,” said Prof. McKowen.
Actively listen to your children. Validate their feelings.
“If they said they’re terrified of their future, don’t say, ‘Oh, you’ll be fine, don’t worry.’ Just really like try and understand what that might be,” Prof. McKowen told Ivanhoe.
And these moments with dad can mean a lot. Research shows that children with actively involved fathers are twice as likely to attend college and 80% less likely to spend time in jail. Now add in a little outside quality time … Courtney hopes he will cultivate a lifelong love of nature in his daughters.
And on this Father’s Day, it’s worth noting, dads also tend to encourage children to take risks, be more independent and overcome obstacles. So, to all the dads making a difference every day … we say thank you and happy Father’s Day!
Contributors to this news report include: Marsha Lewis, Executive Producer; Matt Goldschmidt, Videographer; and Bob Walko, Editor.
Produced by Child Trends News Service in partnership with Ivanhoe Broadcast News and funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF).
To receive a free weekly e-mail on positive parenting from Ivanhoe, sign up at: http://www.ivanhoe.com/ftk
Sources:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11575111/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8923429/
https://www.irp.wisc.edu/resource/involved-fathers-play-an-important-role-in-childrens-lives/
https://www.americafirstpolicy.com/issues/fact-sheet-fathers-matter-pass-it-on
If this story or any other Ivanhoe story has impacted your life or prompted you or someone you know to seek or change treatments, please let us know by contacting Marjorie Bekaert Thomas at mthomas@ivanhoe.com
