THE VALUE OF FATHERS.

Sometimes fathers are seen as the bread winners and not as someone who contributes to children's development in any significant way.

Research has shown that fathers are the most important role models for their sons. Boys model themselves on their fathers and while they don't ever voice this, and are not aware that they are doing this, their father is the most important person in their lives. A lot of what is picked up from their father is caught and not taught which shows the importance of the example shown by a father.

Daughters largely get their self esteem from their fathers. In their adult life they are more likely to look for men with the same traits as their father. This is not done in any conscious way but based on what they know.
When parents separate and the father has moved out of the family home this does not mean that he has to move out of his children's lives. He needs to be a constant reassurance to his children that they are still loved and cherished. Children need to be assured that they can rely on their father and that he is approachable.

It is the responsibility of both parents to allow each other to do a good job.