June 8, 2026
By: Christal Taggart
From time to time, as our children were growing up, my husband would sit down with each child individually. He would check in to see how they were doing emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Looking back, those conversations represented something important. My husband was intentionally creating time to connect with each child and understand what was happening in their lives.
Research clearly demonstrates that involved fathers benefit children, families, and communities. Yet recognizing the importance of fathers is only part of the equation. Strong father-child relationships do not happen automatically. They are strengthened through appreciation, respect, connection, and intentional involvement from families and communities alike.
Despite cultural messages that portray fathers as unnecessary or incompetent, research continues to show that involved fathers play a significant role in the emotional, educational, and behavioral well-being of children. Children with involved fathers are less likely to struggle with substance abuse, criminal behavior, poor school performance, and emotional difficulties.
While cultural attitudes take time to change, families begin strengthening father-child relationships today through appreciation, respect, connection, and intentional involvement.
Making Memories That Last
Many of our family’s greatest memories grew out of simple traditions like “Donut Day” and imaginative rides to school. Because my husband traveled so frequently for work, Saturday mornings became “Donut Day.” After arriving home on Friday night, he would get up the next morning and go buy donuts for the family. In the minds of our children, the days of the week were Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Donut Day, and church day.
When my husband was home from a business trip, I was always happy to let him take the children to school. It gave me a break, but it also allowed him to spend time with the children. During those drives, they played “Star Wars.” Each child became a different character as the family vehicle transformed into the Millennium Falcon, racing through space.
Looking back, I realize many of those moments happened because we made father involvement a priority whenever possible. The donuts were memorable, but what mattered most was having Dad home. Eventually, he chose to leave that position and take a different job so he could be home every evening with the family. Looking back, I believe that decision strengthened our family in ways that could never be fully measured financially.
The Benefits of Fatherhood
Research consistently shows that children benefit when fathers are actively involved in their lives. Children with involved fathers are more likely to succeed academically, develop confidence and self-control, and avoid many high-risk behaviors. These benefits extend beyond childhood and often influence relationships, education, and emotional well-being throughout life (Livingston & Parker, 2019).
Interestingly, father involvement benefits fathers as well. Men who are intentionally engaged in family life often report greater happiness, purpose, and fulfillment. Fatherhood not only influences children but also shapes men into more selfless, emotionally connected, and responsible individuals (Dalrymple, 2025).
Strong father-child relationships also strengthen families as a whole. When fathers and Mothers work together to raise their children, they experience greater connection and stability.
One article from the Institute for Family Studies described fatherhood not as a burden, but as an opportunity for growth and selflessness. In many ways, fatherhood invites men to think less about themselves and more about the well-being of others. As fathers invest in their families, they are strengthened and changed by those relationships as well (Dalrymple, 2025).
Creating A Father Friendly Culture
Families are not the only ones who can encourage father involvement. Schools, churches, employers, and community organizations also play an important role. Employers who provide flexibility for family responsibilities, schools that intentionally welcome fathers to participate, and community organizations that encourage father involvement help create environments where fathers can remain actively engaged in family life (Fry, 2023). Society also benefits when media and public institutions recognize fathers as capable, important contributors rather than portraying them as bumbling figures who need to be corrected.
Because involved fathers make such a difference, an important question follows: How can families encourage and support father involvement? While cultural attitudes may not change overnight, families can begin strengthening father-child relationships through simple acts of encouragement, respect, and involvement.
Express Appreciation
Children often see the fun traditions fathers create, but they may not always see the sacrifices that make those moments possible. One of the simplest ways to support fathers is to notice what they do and acknowledge it. Whether it is providing for the family, fixing something around the house, attending a child’s activity, or simply being present, sincere appreciation reminds fathers (and children) that their efforts matter.
Speak Respectfully
Children learn how to view their parents largely by watching how those parents treat one another. Speaking respectfully about fathers helps reinforce their value within the family. When children hear gratitude, respect, and encouragement, they learn to recognize and appreciate the positive contributions fathers make.
Opportunities For Connection
Some of the strongest father-child relationships are built through time spent together. Consider creating a tradition that belongs to Dad and the children: a weekly breakfast, a monthly outing, a shared hobby, or simply time set aside to talk. Small moments of connection often become treasured memories.
Family traditions do not need to be elaborate. Often, the memories children cherish most begin with ordinary moments that are repeated often enough to become treasured traditions.
Encourage Involvement
In many families, respect is communicated not only through words but through everyday interactions. Early in our marriage, I often waited for my husband to call the family together for dinner or prayer. It was not because I was incapable of doing it myself, but because I wanted to reinforce to both him and our children that his role in our family mattered. Look for ways to invite fathers into family conversations, decisions, and traditions rather than making assumptions about who should take the lead.
Going Forward
Looking back, many of the moments that shaped our family deeply were surprisingly ordinary. Perhaps that is one of the greatest gifts good fathers provide. Not perfection, but presence. Not grand gestures, but a lifetime of small investments that help children feel loved, secure, and valued.
Christal is a senior at BYU–Idaho, graduating in July 2026 with a Bachelor’s degree in Marriage and Family Studies with an emphasis in parent education. She also holds an Associate’s degree in Family History Research, reflecting her strong commitment to family across generations. Christal is passionate about strengthening and preserving the family and is excited to support United Families International’s mission through her internship. She is a wife, mother of seven, and grandmother of nine, and finds her greatest joy in spending time with her family, gardening, traveling, and laughing.