Economic concerns affect father-child relationship!

Celebrating all fathers on Father's Day, Child Development Specialist Prof. Nurper Ülküer stated that fathers' psychological well-being is crucial for family integrity. Prof. Ülküer said, “Research shows that the risk of postpartum depression decreases in the partners of fathers who have good mental health and feel strong. Despite this, mechanisms for fathers to share their anxieties and receive support are quite limited.” Ülküer also pointed out that 30% of fathers cannot be with their children due to economic reasons, adding, “Our fathers are important. The foundation of strong families is laid with strong parents and happy children.”

Prof. Nurper Ülküer, Head of the Child Development Department at Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences, highlighted the critical role of fathers in children's development in her assessment on June 21 Father's Day. 

Stating that Father's Day is an important opportunity to remember the value fathers hold for family and children, Prof. Nurper Ülküer emphasized that fathers have an indispensable place in preparing children for life.

Fathers' influence is greater than mothers' in some areas

Noting that recent research has more clearly demonstrated the impact of fathers on child development, Prof. Nurper Ülküer said, “Fathers are important and indispensable in children's crucial life processes, especially their socio-emotional development and preparation for life. We know this very well. In fact, contrary to our expectations, mothers are more influential than fathers. Interesting results emerged from a study conducted in the UK between 2023-2025. For example, it was observed that the positive impact of a father's involvement in childcare and education processes on children was greater than that of mothers.”

The earlier the father gets involved, the more lasting the impact”

Pointing out the importance of fathers' early involvement in their children's lives, Prof. Ülküer said, “One of the most important findings of research is that the earlier fathers participate in children's developmental journey, the greater and more lasting their impact. Considering some traditional cultures where fathers do not hold their children until they are five years old, and similar sayings, it becomes clearer how many important experiences both fathers and children miss.”

30% of fathers cannot be with their children. The reason is economy!

Stating that fathers' participation in child-rearing processes is not at the desired level globally, Prof. Nurper Ülküer said, “A global study conducted by the Inter-American Development Bank in 2024 does not paint a very encouraging picture in this regard. In low and middle-income countries, an average of 30% of fathers are not with their children. Economy is the primary reason. Fathers working in distant places often rarely witness their children growing up.  Furthermore, according to the findings of this research, fathers play less with their children than mothers and even other adults.”

Parental support programs mostly reach mothers

Prof. Ülküer, stating that most parental support programs target mothers, made the following assessment:
“Parental support programs or similar initiatives mostly reach mothers. The effects of programs that do reach fathers often do not achieve a significant level. Research and practices supporting fathers' participation are quite limited. The rate of fathers who regularly play with their children, especially in the 0-6 age period, is low worldwide. Only in East Asian and Pacific countries is this rate relatively better. We also know that father involvement plays an important role in mothers' well-being.” 

Fathers are not just supporters, but active players in parenting

Emphasizing that the roles of fathers in child development need to be redefined, Prof. Nurper Ülküer said, “To change this picture, we need to start before birth. It must be accepted that fathers are not just supporters of the mother, but active and equal partners in the parenting process.”

Fathers' silent anxieties often go unnoticed

Prof. Ülküer pointed out that fathers can also experience intense psychological difficulties during the parenting process, stating, “Fathers also have anxieties, fears, and even biological changes. However, these are often overlooked. A study conducted in the UK found that depression and suicide rates observed in fathers during the pre- and postpartum periods reached approximately four times the mental health issues seen in mothers. This result indicates that despite increased support for maternal mental health, support mechanisms for fathers have not adequately developed.”

One in four fathers experiences serious levels of anxiety

Sharing the results of another study conducted on 336 new fathers, Prof. Ülküer said:
“The study showed that 41.1% of fathers experienced moderate to high levels of stress, 20.8% anxiety, 25.9% intense worry, and 13.4% symptoms of depression. Yet, this period is extremely critical for fathers to establish a strong and responsive bond with their newborn babies. It is also a process where they need to support their partners.”

A father with strong mental health reduces the risk of postpartum depression in mothers! 

Prof. Ülküer stated that fathers' psychological well-being is also important for family integrity, saying, “Research shows that the risk of postpartum depression decreases in the partners of fathers who have good mental health and feel strong. Despite this, mechanisms for fathers to share their anxieties and receive support are quite limited.”

Prof. Ülküer stated that only 59% of fathers could share their anxieties with their spouses, while 37% could talk to friends or family members, 30% to their family doctor, and 23% to healthcare professionals. The rate of those receiving psychological support remained at only 10%.

The “Fathers Are Important” initiative draws attention

Prof. Nurper Ülküer pointed out that some countries have taken important steps in this regard, drawing attention to the “Fathers Are Important” initiative launched by the UK Parliament.

Prof. Ülküer said, “This initiative, led by a cross-party parliamentary group in the UK, supports fathers in taking a more active role in their children's lives from before birth. Through awareness campaigns, thousands of fathers are reached, and the importance of fatherhood is made visible.”

Strong families are founded on strong parents

Prof. Nurper Ülküer, celebrating all fathers on Father's Day, concluded by saying, “Our fathers are important. The foundation of strong families is laid with strong parents and happy children.”