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Young children of unmarried parents fare worse when a father's support is court-ordered

A Rutgers University study found that young children of unmarried parents who receive court-mandated financial support from their fathers exhibit more aggressive behavior. In contrast, children whose fathers provide informal support without court orders have increased cognitive skills and verbal abilities. Researchers suggest that pate...

SourceRutgers University·JournalSocial Service Review·DateMay 14, 2012

Lower income dads active in their kids' health

A study from Northwestern University found that lower-income urban dads are involved in their children's health and encourage exercise and healthy eating, but also face challenges in handling emergency medical care. Fathers reported modeling behavior for their kids, such as exercising and playing, to promote healthy habits.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychology of Men & Masculinity·DateOct 13, 2011

Women with PCOS have family heart disease link

A new study from the University of Adelaide reveals a strong link between cardiovascular disease in both parents and the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in their daughters. Mothers with PCOS are more likely to have high blood pressure, while fathers are at a higher risk for heart disease and stroke.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 4, 2011

Hands-on dads give kids an edge

A Concordia University study found that fathers who actively engage with their children can positively influence their development, leading to fewer behavior problems and higher intellectual abilities. The study also highlighted the importance of mothers and other caregivers in child-rearing.

SourceConcordia University·JournalCanadian Journal of Behavioural Science/Revue canadienne des sciences du comportement·DateAug 30, 2011

Fantastic Mrs. Fox

A new study by University of Bristol biologists found that mother foxes determine which cubs stay and which leave their family groups, with dominant females playing a crucial role in dispersal strategy. This unique discovery sheds light on the evolution of social behavior in mammals.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 20, 2011

Note to dads: Good parenting makes a difference

A new study published in Development and Psychopathology found that quality parenting skills by dads significantly reduces the incidence of risky sexual behavior in their daughters. The study, led by Bruce J. Ellis, showed that girls who receive lower quality fathering tend to engage in more risky sexual behavior in adolescence.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalDevelopment and Psychopathology·DateJun 14, 2011

Children eschew the fat if dads aren't lenient

A new Texas AgriLife Research study reveals that fathers' role in childhood obesity is more significant than previously thought. Lenient dads are more likely to allow their kids frequent fast-food restaurant visits, which have been linked to obesity. Fathers need education on nutritional content and taking a responsible parenting role.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateJun 9, 2011

Understanding fathering

Researchers are exploring how fathers contribute to their children's cognitive development, emotional well-being, and social skills. Studies will examine the role of fathers in rural American communities, Israeli families, and low-income African American households, shedding light on the often-overlooked impact of fathering on childhood

You are what your father ate too

A new study found that mice sired by fathers on a low-protein diet exhibit changes in metabolic genes, passed down via the sperm, and associated with improved cholesterol metabolism. This suggests transgenerational reprogramming of metabolism, challenging traditional views on the impact of parental nutrition.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateDec 23, 2010

Multiple fathers prevalent in Amazonian cultures

Researchers found that up to 53 out of 128 studied societies believe in the principle of multiple paternity. Women benefit from this system as secondary fathers provide gifts and support, increasing child survival rates. Men also gain by formalizing alliances through shared wives, strengthening family bonds.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 10, 2010

Do toddlers pick up gender roles during play?

A new study published in Springer's journal Sex Roles found that toddlers adopt different behaviors and cues from their mothers and fathers during play and caregiving situations. In play, children tend to be more involved in directing interactions, while in snack situations, they accept parental authority.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateJun 10, 2010

Exploration in toddlers activated by fathers

A new study published in Early Child Development and Care reveals that fathers tend to give toddlers more leeway, allowing them to actively explore their environments. This 'activation theory' suggests that father-child interaction plays a crucial role in shaping a child's development.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalEarly Child Development and Care·DateMar 30, 2010

Back to work policies need gender awareness

Back-to-work policies are losing impact due to their 'gender blind' approach, neglecting the needs of teenage fathers and men working in childcare. The study emphasizes the importance of targeted support for young fathers to address gender inequalities and promote inclusive policies.

SourceSAGE Publications UK·JournalCritical Social Policy·DateFeb 3, 2010

Parental influences differ in determing child's later academic success

A study by Brent McBride, a University of Illinois expert in early childhood education, found that fathers' influence on a child's academic success later in life is felt the most when they're involved from the very beginning. Mothers' involvement, on the other hand, was positively related to a child's academic achievement.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Educational Psychology·DateAug 12, 2009

Dad's early connection with child 'writes script' for later school involvement

A new University of Illinois study explores the role of parent involvement on student achievement. The research found that dads who build close relationships with their children in the preschool years are more likely to stay involved when their child makes the transition to school. This early connection can set a positive tone for futu...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Educational Psychology·DateJun 22, 2009

Important new hair-loss gene discovered

A study published in Nature Genetics has identified a novel hair-loss gene variant associated with male baldness. The research found that this gene, located on chromosome 20, is inherited from both parents and may account for the similarity in cranial hair growth between father and son.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 12, 2008

Fathers need their children

According to sociologist Germain Dulac, every father must see his child once in a while, regardless of the relationship. The researcher found that regular contact between fathers and children is beneficial for both parties, including support groups that help dads stay involved.

Children of older fathers more likely to have bipolar disorder

A recent study found that children born to older fathers are at higher risk of developing bipolar disorder. The study, which analyzed data from over 13,000 patients with bipolar disorder, suggests that advancing paternal age may be associated with an increased risk of complex neurodevelopmental disorders.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateSep 1, 2008

Explaining a genetic disorder's unique shift

A new study by University of Tennessee professor Francisco Ubeda suggests that the amount of care a father gives to his child may cause a shift in the syndrome's symptoms, reversing them. The research implies that social structure and biparental care can shape disease symptoms over human evolution.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 25, 2008

Mom's behavior key to dad's involvement in child care

A study of 97 couples found that fathers are more involved in infant care when their wives provide active encouragement, regardless of their own beliefs or the quality of parenting. Encouragement from mothers can either foster or limit fatherly participation, with mothers acting as 'gatekeepers' to their involvement.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateJun 1, 2008

Father probably caught bird flu from son

A study published in The Lancet found that a father likely contracted bird flu from his infected son, highlighting the risk of person-to-person transmission. The investigation involved testing the father and son for H5N1, as well as close contacts, revealing limited but significant transmission.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 7, 2008

Baboon dads have surprising influence on daughters' fitness

Scientists have found that polygamous baboon fathers who spend time with their children during juvenile years can influence their daughters' fitness. The study, led by Duke University professor Susan Alberts, suggests that fatherly presence can give offspring a jump-start on reproduction, especially among females.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2008

Divorce may widen distance between teens, fathers

A recent study found that divorce widens the distance between teenagers and their fathers, who often struggle to maintain close relationships despite increased involvement. The research suggests that fathers' involvement with children has increased, but mothers still do most of the childcare, creating pressure on fathers to invest more...

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateJan 9, 2008