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The primary caregiver of the 20th century was undoubtedly "Mom." During that time, mothers took on the roles of educators, caregivers, and after-school activity planners, handling everything. However, in the 21st century, a new paradigm of parenting has emerged with the presence of "new generation dads." In the previous issue, we explored these dads, like the Swedish "latte dads" who appear at coffee shops with strollers during rush hour, discussing parenting over cups of lattes. In this issue, let's delve deeper into the "dad effect," which refers to the benefits gained when fathers actively participate in education and parenting.
Research and Editorial Team
Scientifically Proven "Dad Effect"
About 60 years ago, in 1958, an intriguing study began regarding the impact of fathers on parenting. Conducted by Oxford University, this extensive research followed 17,000 newborns over a remarkable span of 30 years. The research team tracked the growth and development of these children until they reached the age of 33. The aim of the study was to systematically analyze the environmental factors that distinctly influence children as they grow. During this research, the team discovered what is now known as the "dad effect." They found a commonality among individuals who led relatively happy and stable lives, characterized by the ability to effectively utilize their skills at both personal and social levels while maintaining harmonious family lives. This commonality was the significant amount of time spent with their fathers during their childhood.
The Structural Differences Between Mom's Brain and Dad's Brain
From a scientific perspective, the brain structures of men and women are distinctly different. Men's brains are more geared towards logical thinking, making them sensitive to the functions and operations of objects and phenomena. In contrast, women's brains are more emotional, allowing them to effectively understand and empathize with children's feelings. These structural differences in the brains of men and women manifest clearly in parenting. Dads, with their logical brains, tend to focus more on "safety care," while moms, with their emotional brains, concentrate on "emotional care." Moms understand situations emotionally and psychologically, while dads approach them logically and analytically. Both logic and emotion are crucial aspects that need to be balanced in parenting. Experts advise that ideal and complete parenting is possible only when the "different" brains of moms and dads harmoniously coexist. However, in the 20th century, fathers who were often too busy working to spend time with their children may have overlooked the aspects of parenting that their brains could effectively address.
When the structurally different brains of moms and dads harmonize and balance each other, the potential for ideal and complete parenting increases.
Benefits of Dad's Involvement in Parenting
Compared to moms, who often engage in static activities, dads enjoy active play that involves physical contact. Children who spend balanced time playing with both moms and dads are more likely to achieve balanced brain and physical development.
Given the distinct brain structures, the contributions of moms and dads to parenting are clearly different. Understanding these differences can lead to more effective parenting. While moms approach situations meticulously and sensitively, dads take a broader, structural approach. What benefits can we expect when dads actively participate in parenting?
1. Natural Socialization and Improved Sociability
The first relationships a child forms are with their mom and dad. If a child spends significantly more time with their mom and relatively less with their dad, their "social relationships" may become limited. Learning to form relationships through both parents is ideal for understanding diverse personalities and traits. Such children are likely to make friends easily and become more sociable. Particularly for daughters, a father's "image" can significantly influence their future partner choices. The experiences gained through relationships with their dads can have a lifelong impact.
2. Balanced Physical Development
Moms and dads often have different play styles. Moms may engage in "quiet" activities like reading books or doing arts and crafts, while dads tend to enjoy active play that involves physical interaction. Children who spend balanced time playing with both parents are exposed to both static and dynamic activities, increasing the likelihood of achieving balanced brain and physical development.
3. Fostering Curiosity and Creativity
Dads' logical and analytical brains tend to focus on cause-and-effect relationships. They can lead children in play involving cars or various machines, exploring how they work and conducting scientific experiments. Through this process, children naturally learn the principles behind objects and phenomena, fostering intellectual curiosity and enhancing both scientific and artistic creativity.
4. Experiencing a Multifaceted World
Traditionally, societal structures often see dads engaging more in social activities than moms. When the external experiences and broad perspectives of dads, who work outside the home, harmonize with the detailed care and efforts of moms in nurturing their children's physical and intellectual growth, children gain opportunities to experience a more multifaceted world. While moms focus on the details, ensuring their children's development, dads can instill a broader vision, ultimately expanding the child's worldview.
The next issue will continue with Part 3 of the "Dad Effect.
