BYU researchers found the persistence kids gained through fathers led to higher engagement in school and lower rates of delinquency.

When the going gets tough, the tough…ought to thank their fathers?

New research from Brigham Young University shows that dads are in a unique position to help their adolescent children develop persistence. BYU professors Laura Padilla-Walker and Randal Day arrived at these findings after following 325 families over several years. And over time, the persistence gained through fathers led to higher engagement in school and lower rates of delinquency.

“In our research we ask ‘Can your child stick with a task? Can they finish a project? Can they make a goal and complete it?’” Day said. “Learning to stick with it sets a foundation for kids to flourish and to cope with the stress and pressures of life.”

The scientists were surprised at the lack of data in this specific area of research. ”There are relatively few studies that highlight the unique role of fathers,” Padilla-Walker said. “This research also helps to establish that traits such as persistence – which can be taught – are key to a child’s life success.”

Authoritative Parenting Works!

The key is for dads to practice Authoritative Parenting – not to be confused with authoritarian. What exactly IS authoritative parenting? Well, this approach includes three basic principles – Love, Accountability and Autonomy.

Authoritative Parenting – The Basics:

1. Children feel warmth and love from their father.
2. Accountability and the reasons behind rules are emphasized.
3. Children are granted an appropriate level of autonomy. 

More than half (52%) of the fathers in the study exhibited above-average levels of authoritative parenting. Over time, their children were significantly more likely to develop persistence, which lead to better outcomes in school and lower levels of delinquency.

As the researchers point out, quality time together is more important than the total time spent with children. According to Dr. Padilla-Walker, ”Fathers should continue to try and be involved in their children’s lives and engage in high quality interactions, even if the quantity of those interactions might be lower than is desirable.”

June 18, 2012
The Healthy Mind Network

Story Source: The above story contains original content and/or information reprinted and editorially adapted by The Healthy Mind. Material is provided by the Brigham Young University and EurekAlerts. 

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