How Father’s Mental Health Affects Child Development: Key Insights for Parenting

Experts from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago emphasize the need to screen new fathers for mental health issues. A recent review in JAMA Pediatrics highlights how depression, anxiety, and stress among fathers during the perinatal period can negatively affect their children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and language development.

Many people may not realize that the arrival of a child can bring significant stress for both parents. In the U.S., 14% of fathers experience postpartum depression, similar to the rates for mothers. However, men often downplay their feelings, meaning this figure could be higher than reported.

Dr. Craig Garfield, a pediatrician and the study’s lead author, believes it’s crucial to support new dads. He suggests engaging fathers throughout pregnancy and addressing common feelings like anxiety and sadness. Discussing warning signs of depression can help identify when either parent needs support.

To understand fathers’ experiences better, Dr. Garfield developed the PRAMS (Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System) for Dads. This initiative, starting in Georgia, aims to expand to eight states by 2025. The goal is to address key issues facing new fathers and to highlight their role in promoting healthier behaviors for their children.

Research from PRAMS has shown that fathers can significantly influence important practices like breastfeeding and safe sleep for infants.

Dr. Garfield also recently participated in an event called "Mapping the Future of Fatherhood in Australia," where he shared insights from his experiences at Deakin University. This initiative continues the conversation on supporting fathers for improved outcomes for children.

For further reading, check out the annual Father’s Day report by Lurie Children’s Family & Child Health Innovations Program here.

As the role of fatherhood evolves, understanding and supporting fathers can lead to better health outcomes for families. Exploring innovative solutions like PRAMS for Dads is just the beginning. With continued research and open discussions, we can better equip fathers for this life-changing journey.

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Mental Health, Research, Anxiety, Child Health, Children, Depression, Hospital, Language, Medicine, Paternal Depression, Pediatrics, Postpartum Depression, Pregnancy, Stress