A recent study published in the journal Health Psychology found a surprising connection between the attentiveness of fathers during the first ten months of a child’s life and the child’s overall health and relationship to their father. Children with attentive fathers had better relationships and better overall physical health as they grew up. These findings point to the importance of both mothers and fathers being present during a child’s key developmental years.

Our culture tries to tell the lie that children do not need their biological mother and father to thrive, especially as IVF practices increase. But research continues to show the importance of loving, present mothers and fathers in ensuring that children are raised in the best possible situation.