I always find Father’s Day to be a less important affair compared to Mother’s Day. Perhaps it is due to the traditional role of dads being the breadwinner, being the disciplinarian, and not showing the ‘soft’ side with their child.

However, four decades of research and hundreds of studies have proven what should be obvious to everyone: The more involved a dad is, the more successful his children will be. A father’s influence can determine a child’s social life, grades at school, and future achievements.

Involved dads = Successful children

A study by Brigham Young University researchers finds that involvement in everyday activities, such as eating dinner together, watching TV, playing in the yard, and playing video games are even more important to share with Dad than big outings or trips, although those contribute to children’s development as well. Fathers and youths in the study experienced more satisfaction and cohesion in their family when fathers were involved in everyday core activities.

Studies also prove that a child learns differently from daddy and mummy, even if it’s the same thing being taught! This is because father’s inputs and influence are unique from the mothers.

Where mothers tend to worry about their children’s safety and well-being, fathers encourage their children to take risks. In one study which focused on a group of parents teaching their children how to swim, it found that “fathers tend to stand behind their children so the children face their social environment, whereas mothers tend to position themselves in front of their children, seeking to establish visual contact with the children.” This tells us that in a kitchen setting, daddy tends to let the child explore more and to stretch their capabilities, which helps to fast track the learning capabilities of the child.

Also, in cooking together with the kid, it encourages communications, allowing the dad to better monitor what’s going on in their children’s lives, including interaction with peers and adults.

So dads, why not do something different this Father’s Day. Time to cook!!