Just in time for Father’s Day, research out of Brigham Young University suggests that certain types of fathers remain an important influence for children who are leaving home. BYU professor Larry Nelson’s study demonstrated that fathers who showed respect, love, and high expectations for their children’s autonomy enjoyed closer relationships with them. Their children also showed higher levels of kindness and self worth.
According to Nelson, ““If their child is struggling to pick a major in college, these dads don’t tell their kids what they think it should be. Instead they’ll say ‘Have you ever considered this’ or ‘Here’s one advantage of that.’ And when the child makes a choice, they say, ‘I’m proud of you.’”
These dads seem to subscribe to an authoritative parenting style, characterized by responsiveness and the demand for independence and maturity in their children. Authoritative parents maintain an active dialogue about their child’s feelings and needs, without being control or overbearing. This encourages independence, self-confidence, and a relationship of mutual respect between father and child.
Source: Brigham Young University
Written by Justin Saranovic
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