Goddard School Research Shows Fathers' Involvement at Peak

, with the guidance of internationally-known child psychiatrist, author and advisor Dr. Kyle D. Pruett, sponsored a comprehensive study to learn more about the changing dynamics of the father/child relationship. 

"While there's an abundance of research on mother/child relationships available, there is only a fraction highlighting the father/child relationship and fathers' roles in the home," Pruett said. "We felt it was imperative, given the changes in the family in recent generations to look into the importance of fathers in the lives of our nation's children. And we found some surprises." 

According to the school's co-owner Lori Santo, the findings were drawn from a survey of more than 1,000 fathers across the U.S., which revealed a "top ten" of areas in which fathers are most focused on their children's welfare—regardless of income bracket, race or ethnicity. 

The list, in order of importance, includes: 

• Providing basic needs (food, clothing, shelter)
• Providing and maintaining a safe-home environment
• Giving financial support
• Ensuring children have a good education
• Teaching children to respect their mothers
• Providing healthcare
• Supporting their children’s mothers
• Telling their children they love them
• Understanding and relating to their children’s problems
• Spending quality time with their children

"When Dr. Pruett approached us with the idea of conducting this type of research on fathers, we immediately agreed because it aligns perfectly with our mission to understand the needs of both parents and children," said Lisa Fisher, director of communications at The Goddard School. 

"We conduct ongoing research with parents (usually mothers) and children. Our research focus is to help us understand the role our schools play in families' lives.

"About two years ago, we conducted our first qualitative research with fathers. We saw a growing number of fathers who were involved in the 'school decision' and their children's overall education plan."

In addition to fathers providing good home lives and emotional support to their children, researchers also discovered that providing a good education for their child ranks most important for fathers in terms of being a role model, with three out of four fathers visiting a preschool before enrolling their child. 

"Since we opened our doors, almost 25 years ago, the role of fathers in choosing a preschool for their children has changed—we've seen and heard this anecdotally from school owners and education directors," Santo said. 

"Today's fathers want to learn more about their child's program, experience the overall environment and to understand what their child will be learning—before they commit to enrollment." 

Pruett attributes the influx of a father's involvement in the preschool enrollment process to their desire to feel that they are making a financially-sound decision—a good investment in their child's future. 

"This is one of the largest U.S. studies of fathers and fathering values that cuts across income brackets, races and ethnicity in order to be complete and balanced," he said.