In this episode of the Modern Wisdom podcast, host Chris Williamson interviews Dr. Anna Machin, an evolutionary anthropologist, about the importance of fathers in raising children. They discuss the evolutionary role of fathers, the myths surrounding fatherhood, the challenges fathers face in bonding with their children, and the impact of fathers on children’s development.
Fathers played a crucial role in saving the human race when babies’ heads got too big. Before investing fathers, fathers would have acted like chimp fathers, spreading their seed but not ensuring the survival of their offspring. Investing fathers are critical for the survival of the species, as they stick with one woman and help raise their children.
There are many myths surrounding fatherhood, including the idea that fathers are not instinctive parents and that mothers are magically able to parent. However, men are biologically primed to parent just like women are. Dads can struggle to bond with their newborns due to the lack of physiological changes mothers experience during pregnancy and childbirth. Breastfeeding can also make it difficult for dads to bond with their babies in the first few weeks. Additionally, dads can experience postnatal depression.
Fathers are important to both girls and boys’ development, but in different ways. Ruff and Tumble play is critical to child development and is a way for dads to bond with their child. The relationship a child has with their dad is the biggest factor in their mental health during adolescence, and dads play a crucial role in building mental resilience in their children. Studies show that dads who spend time with their children have children with higher self-esteem, less depression/anxiety, and better ability to handle stress in young adulthood.
Fathers face challenges such as the demonization of fatherhood and the pressure to be a perfect father and breadwinner. There is a lack of investment in men’s health and well-being, which needs to be addressed through cultural, structural, personal, and psychological interventions. Fathers of kids with special needs also struggle for support and recognition. Prenatal groups just for men can be powerful and helpful for dads to open up and voice their fears, and experienced dads in these groups can provide reassurance and answer questions that new dads may feel uncomfortable asking in front of women.
Fathers play a crucial role in raising children and have a significant impact on their development and well-being. The current narrative around fathers is based on myths and stories with no academic or observational research to back them up. It is important to recognize the importance of fathers, support their mental health and well-being, and provide them with the resources and interventions they need to be effective parents. Fathers are not just there for mothers, they are there for their children, and their presence and involvement are essential for the overall well-being of families and society.