Fathers and Financials

Two things that can affect life and marriage in a major way are Fathers and Finances.

First I am going to start with fathers. Fathers are really important. My father has influenced my life extremely, and I am so grateful for him. He has been a guide to me throughout my life. Fathers play a vital role in a child's development, starting from infancy. Studies show that infants can form strong attachments to both parents from birth, and father involvement leads to improved health outcomes like better weight gain in premature babies and higher breastfeeding rates. Isn't that cool?

Fathers who also use authoritative parenting—balancing love with clear expectations—help their children develop better emotional, social, and behavioral skills. I have definitely seen this in my life. Sure, it's not fun when you get in trouble and your dad has to raise his voice a little, but we can see that this impacts children a lot.

The positive influence of a father continues as children grow. Kids who are close to their fathers are more likely to succeed academically and socially. They are twice as likely to attend college or find stable employment after high school, and significantly less likely to engage in risky behaviors such as teen pregnancy, criminal activity, or substance abuse. Importantly, the quality of the father-child relationship matters more than the amount of time spent together, meaning even non-resident fathers can have a lasting positive impact.

Fathers also contribute to children’s psychological and emotional well-being. High levels of father involvement are associated with greater self-confidence, sociability, and self-control in children. My father is a goofy person, and him being goofy with us and playing with us helped me feel comfortable in my own skin and learn how to play.

Boys show fewer behavioral problems, and young women report fewer symptoms of depression. In low-income families, active father engagement can reduce delinquency and help children avoid economic hardship, showing that fathers are not just important—they are essential to healthy child development.

As young adults who are hesitant to get married and start a family for various reasons, I want you to know that fathers are an important component for a lasting marriage and family.

As for finance, being comfortable honestly makes life easier. I know money doesn't buy happiness, but it sure can help! Debt can stress marriages and limit opportunities for families. “Debt can act as a corrosive agent in marriage,” W. Bradford Wilcox, a Sociology Professor at the University of Virginia said in an interview with Debt.org. “Debt causes stress at the moment, fear for the future.” High levels of credit card debt play havoc in the lives of newly married couples," Wilcox said. “Debt is associated with less time spent together, more fighting, and significantly lower levels of marital happiness.” (incharg.org)

In conclusion, when dads are involved and the family’s finances are in good shape, everything tends to run more smoothly. Kids do better when their dad is present and supportive, and couples usually get along better too. Money isn’t everything, but having enough to cover bills, save a little, and not stress every day makes a big difference. It helps reduce arguments and lets families focus on spending quality time together. Make sure to pick carefully who is going to be the father of your kids, or what kind of father you are going to be. A hands-on dad and a solid financial plan can really strengthen the family bond and create a happier, more stable home for everyone. With good dads and good financial, marriage and family can be a happy thing!