June is the Month to Celebrate Fathers

June is the month we like to highlight the importance of Fatherhood – a role that is sometimes dismissed, ignored, or forgotten.  However, studies show the involvement of a father can:

• Improve emotional, academic, and social outcomes for children
• Increase the likelihood that their children will attend college
• Enhance  overall health and development, even for preterm infants
• Increase levels of sociability, confidence, and self-control in children
• Influence healthy exercise and eating habits by example
• Reduce behavior problems in boys 
• Reduce psychological issues and depression for girls

Changes in the family, whether a pregnancy, new baby, pregnancy loss, or life in general, can affect a father’s mental health and well-being physically and psychologically. Although often depicted as “the strong, silent” type, men can also feel stressed and overwhelmed. Mental Health America (1) reports that around 1 in 10 fathers experience Paternal Postpartum Depression, and up to 16% struggle with anxiety disorders. The added pressure and stress to provide for an expanding family can take its toll, even if he isn’t saying it or showing it.

Let’s Be Mindful this Father’s Day

This Father’s Day, let’s be mindful of the emotional weight that dads may carry in their desire to meet the needs of those they love. Maybe give them some downtime, grill dinner for them, let them watch the game or sleep in, laugh at their “dad” jokes, and, most importantly, tell them you see their efforts and appreciate them. Gratitude and respect go a long way.  Fathers have a lasting impact on our lives, so this month, try to find positive ways to show them appreciation. Birthright St. Charles recognizes the vital role fathers can play and strives to support and include them whenever possible.

1. https://mhanational.org/resources/mental-health-and-the-new-father/
2. https://www.allforkids.org/news/blog/a-fathers-impact-on-child-development/
3. https://www.heart.org/en/news/2023/06/15/hey-dads-you-play-a-big-and-important-role-in-your-kids-health
4. https://www.heart.org/en/news/2024/06/13/why-protecting-fathers-mental-health-is-so-important