Father and Son Relationship: What a Child Needs from His Dad [Research Reveals]

An expert shares that based on empirical evidence, a few things a son needs from his dad while growing up.

Although kids would love to receive material things from their parents, sometimes, there are things in life that they need more than a precious toy or the most coveted and trending shoes.

According to experts, a father and son relationship can be complex. However, this does not mean that it should stay that way.

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In an article published in Psychology Today, Bowling Green State University's clinical psychology doctoral candidate Daniel Flint, M.A., explains that there are five things a son needs from his dad. None of these things are tangible but are nonetheless important.

1. Time

It may sound like a clichè that a father and son relationship — or any relationship, for that matter — prospers through time. However, dads should recognize that they need to give ample time to their sons.

According to a recent study, children who frequently spend time with their dads do not exhibit aggression, anxiety, or depression symptoms. Some great activities that could strengthen father and son bonding are shopping, cooking, playing games, playing sports, and even watching television.

READ: Easy Steps to Spending Quality Time With Your Children

2. A good example

According to a study that observed thousands of fathers and their sons, men who had fathers who broke the law are more likely to be breaking the law as well. On the other hand, only four percent of men who had law-abiding fathers got convicted because of a delinquent act.

It was also mentioned that there could also be other socio-cultural factors that could affect one's delinquent behavior.

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3. "The Talk"

It has been customary for most families that the fathers talk about sex with their sons. Researchers believe that this helps improve any father and son relationship.

However, over the years, there have been reports saying fathers have been having a lower sense of self-efficacy in having "the talk."

Experts also suggest that dads should not only have one "talk" with their sons. Instead, it should be open dialogue so that sons would feel safe in learning and understanding sexual matters.

READ MORE: 4 Common Mistakes Parents Make When Talking to Their Kids About Puberty

4. Affection

More than the material things that a father can provide for his son, it is the warmth, affection, and tenderness that can make all the difference.

According to a study, children whose dads treated them affectionately have scored higher on standardized cognitive ability measures.

ALSO READ: How to Keep a Healthy Mother-Daughter Relationship

5. Communication and involvement

Even for dads who co-parent with their children's moms, involvement is still a key for their children to perceive them better.

Also, research showed that when sons notice their dad's involvement, there is an increased chance that they avoid violence in the future.

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