menshealthaustralia.net

 How parenthood turns males into all-round good blokes

Becoming a father has a positive affect on men's health with 74 per cent of new dads saying the birth of a son or daughter motivated them to shape up to be there for their child's future. New fathers reported eating more healthily (35 per cent), exercising more (32 per cent), and cutting back on the booze (19 per cent) after the birth of their child. Others said they had stopped partying and started a weight-loss campaign after bringing their child home. Researchers at NorthWestern University in Chicago also found fathers were spending more time with their children and their involvement had hugely positive effects. Children reared by fathers who spent time with them and who were involved in their care and welfare were found to have greater language skills, higher academic achievements, higher self-esteem, lower depression and anxiety levels and less delinquent behaviour.