Fathers 2 Children - PSYCHOLOGY NOTES - While mothers generally do more of the childs rearing, fathers ase stul important to children's development. Fathers tend to spend less time with their children. but they do the same kinds of things as mothers do - playing with the children become independent and better able to do things for themselves. Fathers also help children develop a teeling of being worthwhile and use ful (Phares, 1992). When there is no tather in the home, however, the effects are not always as bad as you might expect. Many problems found In homes where only the mother is present are caused by too little money and too much stress on the mother, rather than by the father's absence in itself. Boys from such homes are usually just as masculine as other boys, and neither girls nor boys necessarily get into more trouble at school. The important point is for chidren to feel loved and cared for. This is easier to do when two parents share the load, but it is not impossible with only one (Barber & Eccles, 1992). only one (Barber & Eccles, 1992). Permissive Parenting Style : Parenting style in which parents let children do as they wish; lew rules are made are enforced. Authoritarian (dictatorial) parenting style : Parenting style in which porents rigidly set the rules and demand obedlence. Authoritative Parenting style : Parrenting style in which parrents seek input from children; parents are consistent but flexible in entorcing rules.