Came across an interesting article from the Fatherhood Institute regarding the influence for fathers on their child’s education. Do not take the wrong end of the debate mother’s do have very powerful influence as well and in some areas an even greater influence. Since 1975 considerable research has been going on looking at this issue and some of the findings are very pertinent. A small-scale Scottish study ( Henderson 2007) was carried out in 2007 in South Lanarkshire with the programme Father Figures giving an indication of how much fathers were engaging with their children’s learning and marries the increase that is being seen in America. This research summary Fathers and their children’s education gives a very concise overview for the reader with good additional references for the reader to follow-up.
Several reliable studies have shown high levels of interest by a father in his child’s schooling and education, his high expectations for their achievement and his greater direct involvement in their learning, education and schools to be associated with their better educational outcomes. These include: better exam / test / class results; higher levels of educational qualification; greater progress at school; better attitudes towards school (e.g. enjoyment); higher educational expectations; and better behaviour at school (e.g. reduced risk of suspension or expulsion). And these outcomes do not derive from the school-involved fathers already being richer or better educated. Whatever the father’s socio-economic level, his high involvement paid off.
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