A lot of people make the mistake of thinking that the law favors mothers when it comes to custody issues. The truth is that the law is gender-neutral and is instead focused on what supports the child’s best interests. If you’re a father, then, you have a shot at securing meaningful time with your child. And if you’re successful in doing so, the impact can be tremendous.
A present and active father can benefit a child in many ways. These include:
- Reducing the risk that the child will engage in risky behaviors.
- Improving the child’s academic success.
- Increasing the child’s confidence.
- Improving the child’s social skills.
- Providing the child with additional emotional support that can reduce stress and anxiety.
- Increasing the child’s self-esteem.
These impacts can result in immediate changes in your child’s life, but they can also be long-lasting, even affecting them into adulthood. So, don’t for a second think that your presence in your child’s life is unimportant.
How can you play a role in your child’s life?
If you haven’t established paternity, then it starts there. After you’ve done that, then you’ll need to petition the court for visitation. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may also want to seek joint or sole custody of your child. If you haven’t played a role in their life up to this point, though, you might want to take it slow so that you can develop a relationship and bond with your child.