Q&A: Being a Dad

SEED Early Childhood Educational Blog

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31 May 2026

By Samantha Donnelly BA (Hons) MA

Professionals widely accept the importance of the father in children’s early development, but it may be something families may not recognise.

Who is the Better Parent, Mum or Dad?

Mothers and fathers bring different attributes, but both parents are very important to their child’s early development and future wellbeing. The parental relationship is also very important for the child. Children and babies are very attuned to the emotional environment they are in. [5]

Professionals widely accept the importance of the father in children’s early development, but it may be something families may not recognise. Fathers matter and make significant contributions to their families and children’s lives. [1][5]

What do Fathers Contribute to Social Development?

Social-emotional development is one of the foundational areas of development for babies and children. According to a study in child psychotherapy, fathers can support their children to become autonomous and socially integrated adults. Some fathers can be unpredictable and playful with their children, which some researchers have shown contributes to their children’s emotional regulation. A child’s attachment with their father can support their ability to cope with challenging situations. As role models, fathers need to be emotionally intelligent to pass on social-emotional skills; sometimes additional support from a GP is necessary. [1][2][7]

What about Single dads?

As a single parent, there are many difficulties; for a lone father, it can be more challenging, as the traditional expectation of a father is as a breadwinner. Single fathers may feel isolated and lonely, but their positive impact can still be felt by their children. Single fathers may need to be intentional about engaging in children’s activities and education, as these environments are usually majority female.

‘’As an adult, I often default to my dad in my mind, whether my dad would approve of what I was doing; usually, when I'm considering something risky, it's helped me keep healthy boundaries.’’ Anonymous

What about Fathers and their Child’s Early Years?

Today, fathers are present in the early stages of their child's life and contribute to their gain of social capital. Men can seriously underestimate the changes a child will bring to their life. A proper evaluation of the future can reduce anxieties when the child is born. In the early years, it is so valuable to a child if the father and mother can provide a happy environment in their home. Stress on the child caused by a tense environment may manifest as sleep problems, difficult behaviour and social-emotional difficulties. Again, mothers and fathers bring different qualities, and it is good for the child to experience the difference a father can bring. [1][2][5]

“My dad was a role model even when he wasn’t present. In my late teens, I had more time away from my parents, but I would definitely reference things to my dad: ‘Would my dad do that?’ ‘Would he present himself this way, etc.’ Anonymous

Summary

Many men can, and do, play strong roles in their families; at the same time, fathers can sometimes play an underestimated role in their families. However, the impact and importance of fathers should not be underestimated. A child’s future social-emotional development can be deeply impacted by their father and can shape their adult social skills and emotional wellbeing. [6][7]

Early Childhood Development

SEED Early Childhood is the Educational blog founded by Samantha Donnelly to bring professional knowledge to you.

Samantha Donnelly is an Early Childhood Practitioner with more than 15 years of experience working with children, specialising in Early Childhood Education. Samantha is the founder of SEED Early Childhood Educational Blog.

References

1 Rohrmann, T. (2019) 'The role of male caretakers and pre-school teachers for father involvement in https://childpsychotherapy.org.uk/resources-families/understanding-childhood/fathers-understanding-vital-role-fathers-father-figures
ECEC', Global Education Review, 6 (1), pp. 26-39. Available at: https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1212895.pdf

2 Donnelly, S. (2025) The Current State of Male Presence in UK Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Setting and Strategies for Moving Forward: A Literature Review

3 Soria C, Lawton L. (2022) ‘Connecting Fathers: Fathers’ Impact on Adult Children’s Social Networks’, The International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 96(1). pp. 19-32. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/00914150221106645

4 Wilkinson, J., Davies, J., and Warin, J. (2023) 'Men changing nappies: Dismantling a key barrier to gender-diversifying the early years workforce', Journal of Early Childhood Research, 22(2), pp. 224-237. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/1476718X231201725

5 Association of Child Psychotherapists (2020) Fathers - Understanding the Vital Role That Fathers, & Father Figures, Play in Children’s Emotional Development. Available at: https://childpsychotherapy.org.uk/resources-families/understanding-childhood/fathers-understanding-vital-role-fathers-father-figures

6 Shafer, K. and Bellamy, L. (2016) ‘Guest Editorial: Focusing on Men and Fathers—A Challenge for Social Work Research and Practice’. Social Work Research, 40(4) pp. 199-202. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1093/swr/svw021

7 Mindful Spark Beyond Presence: How Fathers Shape Emotional Regulation and Resilience in Children. Available at: https://mindfulspark.org/2025/09/23/beyond-presence-how-fathers-shape-emotional-regulation-and-resilience-in-children/

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