Fathers suffering from parenting-related stress need to watch out not only for themselves but for their children as well. A new study that surveyed more than 730 families has revealed that the high levels of stress from parenting felt by fathers is associated with lower levels of development of their children.
The result was that the sons of fathers who are experiencing high levels of parenting stress were more likely to have poorer language skills when they were three years old, as per a report from Health Day posted in News9. Sons and daughters of the stressed fathers were found to be more likely to perform worse on cognition tests like paying attention, learning and reasoning.
The parents involved in the survey were those from the lower-income bracket in the United States. They were asked whether they agreed to statements like "I feel trapped by my responsibilities as a parent," or "Sometimes I feel my child doesn't like me."
The Daily Mail reported that children of fathers stressed from parenting also face a higher risk of depression when they become older because of slower emotional development. "The first few years of raising a child can be particularly challenging. If you need help dealing with stress or depression, don't suffer in silence," said Dr. Michael Yogman, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics' Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health.
Tamesha Harewood, one of the researchers, was quoted by a Christian Post report as saying that the present times indicate a shift in parenting practices, as more fathers are now being more involved in taking care of their children. Harewood is a postdoctoral researcher from Michigan State University.
The report said that the study was not able determine "an absolute cause-and-effect link between parent stress and child development." This study on parenting stress and children's development was published in two journals, namely in the Infant and Child Development and in Early Childhood Research Quarterly.
