Why Fathers Have an Even Greater Influence on Daughters Than You May Realize

Fifty years ago, most dads would respond with a resounding "no" when asked if they helped with diaper changes and middle-of-the-night feedings. Today, many fathers share equally (if not more so) in the day-to-day caregiving of their babies, and their daughters are all the better for it.

According to Dr. Mary Beth Steinfeld of the UC Davis Medical Center, "When a caregiver consistently responds to an infant's needs, a trusting relationship and lifelong attachment develops." This bond between a father and his infant daughter carries over into "healthy relationships with other people throughout life" and helps her to "appropriately experience and express a full range of emotions."