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The Significance of a Father’s Influence

Your intuitions are right on the mark. We can cite a host of reputable studies to prove it.

Dr. David Popenoe, Professor of Sociology at Rutgers University and Co-Director of the National Marriage Project, has provided us with a good summary and overview of the subject. Here’s what he has to say:

Fathers are far more than just “second adults” in the home. Involved fathers – especially biological fathers – bring positive benefits to their children that no other person is as likely to bring. They provide protection and economic support and male role models. They have a parenting style that is significantly different from that of a mother and that difference is important in healthy child development. David Popenoe, Life Without Father, (New York: The Free Press, 1996), p. 163.

One of the most vital aspects of a dad’s contribution to the lives of his kids lies precisely in what Dr. Popenoe calls his “significantly different parenting style.” Men and women are different. As a result mothers and fathers parent their children differently.

Dads, for instance, love their children “more dangerously.” That’s because they play “rougher” and are more likely to encourage risk-taking. They provide kids with a broader diversity of social experiences. They also introduce them to a wider variety of methods of dealing with life. They tend to stress rules, justice, fairness, and duty in discipline. In this way, they teach children the objectivity and consequences of right and wrong. They give kids insight into the world of men. They prepare them for the challenges of life and demonstrate by example the meaning of respect between the sexes. In connection with this last point, research indicates that a married father is substantially less likely to abuse his wife or children than men in any other category.

Fathers encourage competition, engendering independence. Mothers promote equity, creating a sense of security. Dads emphasize conceptual communication, which helps kids expand their vocabulary and intellectual capacities. Moms major in sympathy, care, and help, thus demonstrating the importance of relationships. Dads tend to see their child in relation to the rest of the world. Moms tend to see the rest of the world in relation to their child. Neither style of parenting is adequate in and of itself. Taken together, they balance each other out and equip the up-and-coming generation with a healthy, well-rounded approach to life.

Where’s the evidence for these assertions? Obviously, we can’t go into great detail here. This is a vast field of study. But we can offer a few examples of some of the relevant research:

82% of studies on father involvement and child well-being published since 1980 found “significant associations between positive father involvement and offspring well-being…” Paul R. Amato and Fernando Rivera, “Paternal Involvement and Children’s Behavior Problems,” Journal of Marriage and the Family 61 (1999): 375-384.
In an analysis of over 100 studies on parent-child relationships, it was found that having a loving and nurturing father was as important for a child’s happiness, well-being, and social and academic success as having a loving and nurturing mother. Some studies even indicated father-love was a stronger contributor to some important positive child well-being outcomes. Ronald P. Rohner and A. Veneziano, “The Importance of Father Love: History and Contemporary Evidence,” Review of General Psychology 5.4 (2001): 382-405.
According to child psychiatrist Kyle Pruett, a father’s more active play style and comparatively slower response to a toddler or infant experiencing frustration serve to promote problem-solving competencies and independence in the child. Kyle D. Pruett, Fatherneed: Why Father Care is as Essential as Mother Care for Your Child, (New York: The Free Press, 2000), p. 41-42.
In the words of Dr. Pruett, “positive father care is associated with more pro-social and positive moral behavior in boys and girls.” Pruett, 2000, p. 52. This is borne out by research from the University of Pennsylvania which indicates that children who feel a closeness and warmth with their father are twice as likely to enter college, 75 percent less likely to have a child in their teen years, 80 percent less likely to be incarcerated and half as likely to show various signs of depression. Frank Furstenberg and Kathleen Harris, “When and Why Fathers Matter: Impacts of Father Involvement on Children of Adolescent Mothers,” in Young Unwed Fathers: Changing Roles and Emerging Policies, R. Lerman and T. Ooms, eds. (Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 1993).
In a 26-year-long study, researchers found that the number one factor in developing empathy in children was father involvement. Fathers spending regular time alone with their children translated into children who became compassionate adults. Richard Koestner, et al., “The Family Origins of Empathic Concern: A Twenty-Six Year Longitudinal Study,” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 58 (1990): 709-717.

We’ve only scratched the surface, of course, but you can see where the evidence is taking us. The best studies demonstrate beyond a shadow of a doubt that fathers play an important and irreplaceable role in healthy child development. This means that your hunches are right and the messages we’re receiving from the media, the culture, and government policy are wrong.

The implication is clear. Those of us who are “in the know” need to do everything we can to get this information out to the general public as quickly as possible. If it’s true that father involvement has so many positive effects on kids’ lives, then, as sociologist W. Jean Yeung has said, “The fact that this benefit is here should raise concerns for those who do not have these resources.”

If you’d like to discuss this subject at greater length, call us . Focus on the Family’s counselors would be more than happy to speak with you over the phone.

Resources 52 Things Kids Need from a Dad

Secure Daughters, Confident Sons: How Parents Guide Their Children into Authentic Masculinity & Femininity

What a Difference a Daddy Makes: The Indelible Imprint a Dad Leaves on His Daughter’s Life

The Difference A Father Makes (audiobook) -->

The Vital Role of Fathering

Articles The Power of Fathers

The Husband and Father’s Role

The Involved Father

The Fatherhood Mandate

Maintaining Emotional Intimacy in the Empty Nest Years

Finding hope when you feel resentment, when your spouse’s mind won’t change.

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Essay on My Father in 250 Words, 500 Words

Updated on
Oct 25, 2023

A father is a pillar of strength and wisdom in a child’s entire life. He shapes their character and values in numerous ways. His selfless support, guidance, and love he provides always prove to be an indelible mark on a child’s entire journey. In this blog, we will provide different samples to write about my father. You can learn and save these samples for your future projects.

Essay on My Father in 250 Words

My father is a pillar of strength and wisdom, he holds a special place in my heart. His influence on my life cannot be turned into words. He is everything to me, right from the source of motivation, and inspiration to a guiding light in my entire life journey. His dedication to our family is commendable. He literally works all day and sometimes night too, just to give us a better lifestyle. He strives every single minute to provide us with everything that we deserve at the cost of his own desires. He is just selflessly committed to our happiness.

His work ethic is a source of valuable lessons for me. His early childhood education gave me lifelong lessons and teachings that he just serves on a plate before us can be hard to understand but are fruitful enough to bless our entire lives with the best of all. Whether we talk about his advice on facing challenges, making ethical decisions, or simply navigating the complexities of life, he has been a super savior for the entire family life long. A true example of unconditional love is a father in any child’s life. He can be bitter at times but can be sweet as sugar too. He can even fight with you to keep you on the right track and protect you from any hurdles that may come your way.

Right from the source of happiness to a bundle of motivation, he is everything to the entire family. A father is like a shield in this melting weather, nobody can harm his child if he is there.

Essay on My Father in 500 Words

A father has a unique place in our hearts and lives. He is my protector, provider, and role model. In my entire life, my father has been playing all these roles without even complaining a single time or even without crying or getting upset. His only and foremost motivation is our smiling faces, fulfilled needs, and a decent lifestyle. He goes to work every morning and returns home in the evening with something to eat for us constantly without fail. He bought us new clothes every Diwali but never got himself even a pair of new shoes. His presence and influence have shaped me the who I am today, fearless, respectful, and independent.

From my early childhood days, I recall his comforting presence, that if he was there no negative energy could even come close to me or nobody could do any harm to me. Right from teaching me how to walk to teaching me how to ride a bicycle, my father has been an unwavering support for me. He always stands with me whenever I need his help, he guides me well during my challenging time. His unshook confidence in me and my capabilities gives me the strength to achieve my dreams and make him proud of myself.

Out of many one of the most remarkable qualities of my father is his wisdom. His life experiences and enriched understanding of the world have been a source of learning all throughout my life. I have never seen him crying, or getting weak. He always stays strong shares positive ora with everybody in the family and stays a one-stop solution to all our problems. My father’s work ethic is another aspect of his character that I deeply admire. He has always believed in the value of hard work and dedication. Witnessing his commitment to providing for our family has given me a strong work ethic. I have learned that success is not merely the result of talent or luck but rather a result of constant effort and determination.

My father’s love for learning has left a deep impact on me. He is a seeker of knowledge for me. His curiosity and enthusiasm for discovering new things have inspired me so much in my own educational journey. Also, these factors have made a great impact on my personal growth. He has taught me that learning is a lifelong journey and that knowledge is the only way to deal with all the complex situations of life. Apart from his wisdom and values, my father carries a great sense of humor. His ability to find joy and laughter in everyday situations has taught me not to take life too seriously. His laughter and humor have been a source of comfort during challenging times. I love the way he softly balances family and life, even though it pushes so many difficult situations in front of him. He never broke, instead, he gets stronger and responsible enough to handle these things, so that the bad situations do not reach out to us.

Introduce a reflective introduction, develop the body, and be reflective while you are writing an essay on your father.

A father plays a very vital role in anyone’s life, he is a strong foundation of love, respect, and sacrifice.

Hence, we hope that this blog has assisted you in comprehending what a essay on a father must have. For more such essays, check our category essay writing .

Parul Aggarwal

Parul Aggarwal is a skilled content writer with a focus on creative writing. She has a strong understanding of her subject matter and a genuine enthusiasm for it. Parul is known for crafting informative and captivating content that simplifies intricate topics, establishing her as a reliable expert in her field. She dedicates a significant portion of her time to thorough research and honing her writing abilities.

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Essay on The Role of Father in the Family

Students are often asked to write an essay on The Role of Father in the Family in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on The Role of Father in the Family

Introduction.

A father is a pillar of the family, providing support and guidance. His role is crucial in shaping the life of his children.

Provider and Protector

Traditionally, fathers are seen as providers and protectors. They work hard to ensure the family’s needs are met and safety is ensured.

Moral Guide

Fathers are also moral guides. They teach kids about right and wrong, helping them develop strong values.

Emotional Support

Fathers offer emotional support, showing love and care. They help children cope with life’s challenges.

Lastly, fathers are role models. Their actions teach children how to behave, inspiring them to be good people.

250 Words Essay on The Role of Father in the Family

The significance of a father’s role.

The father, traditionally seen as the provider, plays a multifaceted role in the family dynamics. His responsibilities extend beyond financial support, contributing significantly to the cognitive, emotional, and social development of children.

Emotional Development

Fathers play a crucial role in the emotional development of their children. They provide a sense of security, instilling confidence in their children to explore the world fearlessly. Their love and attention shape the child’s self-esteem and interpersonal relationships, influencing how they perceive and interact with others.

Cognitive Development

The father’s role in cognitive development is often underappreciated. Through play and interaction, fathers stimulate curiosity and problem-solving skills in children. Their involvement in education, whether helping with homework or encouraging academic pursuits, fosters intellectual growth and a love for learning.

Social Development

Fathers serve as role models, teaching children about societal norms and values. They guide children in understanding their roles within the family and society, shaping their social skills and behaviors. The father’s interaction with the mother also sets an example of gender roles and respectful relationships.

In conclusion, a father’s role in the family is integral to the holistic development of children. They provide emotional support, stimulate cognitive growth, and guide social development, shaping the future adults their children will become. Recognizing and appreciating this role is key to understanding family dynamics and child development.

500 Words Essay on The Role of Father in the Family

The importance of a father figure.

A father’s role in the family extends beyond biological contribution. He is a pillar of strength, discipline, and guidance, his influence shaping the family dynamics and the growth of his children.

Traditionally, fathers have been seen as the primary breadwinners and protectors of the family. This role has evolved with societal changes, but the core essence remains. Fathers strive to provide a secure environment and ensure the family’s needs are met, fostering a sense of safety and stability.

Fathers are crucial role models for both sons and daughters. Through their actions, attitudes, and behavior, they set an example of what it means to be a man, a partner, and a citizen. This modeling is pivotal in shaping children’s character, their understanding of gender roles, and their future relationships.

Fathers play a significant role in the emotional well-being of their children. Their involvement and affection are linked to better self-esteem, improved academic performance, and lower levels of depression. A father’s support can also foster resilience, helping children navigate life’s challenges.

Discipline and Guidance

Fathers often take the lead in discipline, helping children understand the consequences of their actions. This guidance fosters a sense of responsibility and moral judgment. Fathers also guide by encouraging independence and pushing children to step out of their comfort zones, preparing them for the wider world.

The Changing Role of Fathers

In recent years, societal shifts have led to an evolution of the father’s role. More fathers are now involved in day-to-day child rearing tasks, challenging traditional gender roles. This shared responsibility not only promotes equality but also strengthens the father-child bond.

The Absence of a Father

The absence of a father can have profound effects on a child’s development. Research indicates higher risks of behavioral issues, criminal activities, and mental health problems among children without a father figure. This highlights the critical importance of a father’s involvement in a child’s life.

In conclusion, the role of a father in a family is multifaceted and vital. As providers, protectors, role models, emotional anchors, disciplinarians, and guides, fathers shape the course of their children’s lives. The evolving role of fathers in the family structure underscores the need for societal support in empowering fathers to fulfill their roles effectively.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

Essay on My Father Is My Hero
Essay on My Father
Essay on Importance of Father

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

Parenting & Family Articles & More

What is your purpose as a father, new studies suggest that having a sense of purpose makes dads healthier, happier, and stronger in the face of challenges we're all facing..

Sooner or later, our kids will make us suffer. When they’re babies, their crying keeps us up at night. Later, their teenage shenanigans might rob us of more sleep. Some of us stay at jobs we hate so that our kids will never have to wonder where their next meal will come from. We can battle with our co-parents over issues like housework and discipline, testing love we might have once thought would last forever.

These stresses and sacrifices can be painful, but studies are finding one thing that can help us to weather them: a sense of purpose. That is to say, our long-term, meaningful goals as fathers.

A sense of purpose shapes day-to-day goals and behavior. Seeing a destination on the horizon helps us to lift our eyes over the dirty dishes and temper tantrums, to a future that is better than the present. Purpose makes that pile of dishes matter . It reminds us that we matter, if only to our kids. Purpose keeps us at home with them when we wish we were elsewhere.

While purposes can vary, recent studies suggest that just having one is good for you and your family. So, what does purpose look like in a father’s life? How can you find your purpose as a father? These are existential questions that every man must answer for himself. But research does provide some insights to help us understand ourselves better—and see the fathers we want to become.

The evolution of purpose

The chances are good that your purpose is different from the one held by your own father and grandfathers. Scholars say that fathers of previous generations saw their purpose as financially supporting their families and providing discipline to their children. Some saw themselves as leaders and role models for their families, especially when it came to religious instruction. Inherent in these missions is a sense of authority, which could sometimes become authoritarianism —“the enforcement of strict obedience to authority at the expense of personal freedom,” as the dictionary says.

As a group, today’s fathers see their role somewhat differently.

For more than a century, the number of women in the workforce has steadily increased . Today, there are roughly as many women as men working for pay—though men still tend to make considerably more money than their female coworkers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics .

More on Fatherhood

Discover how your body and brain change when you become a father.

Explore how nature helps fathers nurture .

Learn six obstacles to father involvement , and how to overcome them.

Find out how to be a happy working dad .

What does this have to do with purpose? As women made more money, men’s participation at home started climbing. Today’s dads are spending much more time with their children than did their fathers. Moreover, the United States has become increasingly diverse . Immigrants have brought new conceptions of fatherhood to America. Fathers of color face challenges that are shaping their sense of purpose.

As a result of these developments, many fathers today add “nurturing” to their purpose, along with “providing.” In a discussion I hosted on my Facebook wall , a number of dads said their purpose was to be better than their fathers—and to raise kids who would be better than them. What they meant by this, more often than not, was to be physically and emotionally present in the lives of their children.

“I lost my dad a few months ago,” said Jason Avant, a dad in California. “Nowadays I find myself looking through the lens of my childhood, and I do my best to be everything he was, and everything he wasn’t.” San Francisco writer Andrew O. Dugas , one of those who defines his purpose as “to be a better father than mine was,” says: “My son turned out better than I did. Stronger. Tougher. Kinder. Smarter. Wiser.”

For many men, raising kids means that they need to make self-improvement and self-care part of their purpose. After the birth, “It was no longer acceptable for me to simply go through the motions,” said Blake Overbay, a sergeant with the Massachusetts Army National Guard. “I had to outwardly demonstrate that I was working to better myself. Like deliberate and exaggerated movements to warm-up before a workout.”

In fact, a new study links a strong sense of purpose to healthier behaviors. Boston College psychologist James R. Mahalik and his colleagues surveyed over 200 men (“mostly white, employed, heterosexual, and married”) about their sense of purpose and health behaviors like eating right or exercising, and then analyzed how those factors interacted.

“Our results suggest that when men who are fathers experience greater purpose, they lead healthier lives,” write the authors. “It would be logical to presume that they do so to promote outcomes such as improving their health to make a difference in their children’s lives.”

This finding adds to a rising number of studies that show that more purposeful people are happier , have better health and cognitive functioning , and live longer .

From an evolutionary perspective, it makes sense that purpose might lengthen life —and that the purpose that comes with fatherhood might drive healthier behaviors that could be taken up by our kids. After all, evolution involves passing on our genes. Our offspring have a better chance of growing old enough to have their own children if we stick by their side to make sure they stay healthy and strong. A sense of purpose is a tool evolution put into the hands of fathers, to remind us to do that.

The strength of our purpose

In the Facebook discussion I hosted, many fathers mentioned how a sense of crisis—the pandemic, police brutality, and economic turmoil—is affecting or clarifying their sense of purpose.

For Berkeley, California, writer Shawn Taylor and his daughter, “My primary purpose is to prepare her for the racist and sexist bullshit she’ll encounter, without robbing her of her sense of wonder and joy.”

As the author Ta-Nehisi Coates once told me, in an interview for my book, The Daddy Shift : “I just thought, it was the ultimate service to black people if I can be a great father. It was almost a nationalist, Afrocentric way of seeing it.” For San Francisco attorney David Pai, “watching younger generations rise up” has energized his sense of purpose:

Their inherent curiosity, empathy, and “general goodness” makes me believe that, while I may not see it in my lifetime, I can certainly help lay the foundation for my daughter’s generation to build a more sustainable and equitable world. So that means being very intentional and self-aware in my thoughts and actions (avoiding cynicism is my challenge), not just around her, but touching upon nearly everything I do. Or, in a nutshell, trying hard not to pass on negativity, even in the end times.

A sense of crisis hasn’t fundamentally changed the paternal purpose of Scott Behson, a professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University and author of The Working Dad’s Survival Guide . However, the #metoo and Black Lives Matter movements have led him to redouble his efforts “to make sure that he is a good man to women and a good ally to people of color.”

COVID-19 has powerfully affected how writer and Dads4Change founder Whit Honea sees his purpose. The global pandemic has provided “many more examples of right, wrong, empathy, kindness, ignorance, sacrifice, and all the isms. The lesson plan changes by the headline.” Right now, he said:

History isn’t only being told, but fought, lived, and written. It has made my boys realize that their previous, comfortable view of the world was framed in window treatments and could benefit from a brick or two. Granted, these are the lessons my wife and I have been teaching our boys all along, but the reality of the moment is that they are now paying more attention. They are finding their voice and amplifying others. Their masks can’t muffle the message and they don’t hide anything. We’ll yell again tomorrow.

John Anner has three grown daughters—and he has found that raising them has changed his sense of purpose in life. Today, he is the business development director for a nonprofit called Women for Women International .

I long ago landed on my two central values—generosity, and care for women. So, my purpose, as I age, is to focus intently on those two things, building off the things my daughters have taught me. Women in general, and Black women in particular, have labored for too long for no recognition and no pay. The world is built on their uncompensated and unacknowledged labor. So now is a great time for old white guys like me to do the work—for free—and make sure women get paid.

Oakland author and illustrator Innosanto Nagara sees his purpose as going beyond the self—a quality inherent in the scientific definition of purpose, which includes goals that are not just meaningful to us but make a difference in the world. Nagara sees his mission as creating the space for his son “to explore, challenge himself, and push his limits, take risks, fail, and succeed but not incur/cause irreparable damage/trauma in the process.”

For Nagara, this goes back “to the basic Khalil Gibran idea that our children are not ‘our’ children. They are the children of life’s longing for itself. They are with us but don’t belong to us. Their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which we cannot visit, not even in our dreams.”

How can dads find their purpose?

There are almost no recent scientific studies of how fathers develop a sense of purpose. However, researchers are starting to understand the factors that shape our purposes across our lifespans, providing insights that can help fathers to find their purpose. Here are some of the pathways you might take to explore your own purpose.

1. Read books and watch movies

There are countless novels, comic books, movies, and TV shows that thoughtfully portray fathers, as well as nonfiction books and articles on the history and meaning of fatherhood. When I was becoming a father, I found particular inspiration in Michael Chabon’s novels, the short stories of Alice Munro, the graphic-novel series Starman , movies like The Pursuit of Happyness , daddy blogs , and books by feminist scholars like Stephanie Coontz and Arlie Hochschild .

The stories that inspired me may not inspire you. Perhaps you’ll look more to religious texts, or even to the stories of sports stars. The important thing is the search for inspiration. Seeing the purposes of other fathers, both real and imagined, can help you to see your own.

2. Talk to your co-parents, friends, and family

More on Purpose

Learn how to find your purpose in life and in midlife .

Read how one millennial is finding purpose and connection in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Explore the five childhood experiences that lead to a more purposeful life.

While purpose is a very personal thing, it often emerges from our connections to other people .

It’s important to thoughtfully, intentionally sit down with your co-parent and talk explicitly about what shapes your idea of a good father and what your goals are—and to listen to what the other parent has to say. It was incredibly meaningful for me to interview my grandfather and father for my book, The Daddy Shift , because in my family, we never discussed fatherhood. You can talk to the fathers in your own family right now.

If your kids are young, think about joining a neighborhood group for moms and dads—and then, later, volunteering at school. All of these conversations will help inform and sustain your purpose as a father.

3. Look to your hurts—and turn them into healing

Many men have described to me feeling hurt by their own fathers. Sometimes, the pain came from physical punishment. More often, it’s emotional, arising from absence or verbal abuse. As we saw in my Facebook discussion, men do turn this pain into a purpose to be better than their own fathers. Other fathers described being hurt by racism or some other form of collective discrimination—and so are raising their children to fight back against injustice.

You’ll incur hurts as a parent, too, when you feel overwhelmed or heartbroken. Instead of beating up on yourself, you can ask yourself what that pain means and how you can do better next time. Your purpose as a father never stops evolving, because we learn something new (about ourselves and others) at every stage of our child’s life.

4. Move toward joy and meaning

There’s more to purpose than pain, of course. Many fathers describe their purpose as raising happy kids, and so they try to be happy themselves. “I want my kids to be happy and to put good into the world, to do the right thing rather than the easy one,” says Honea. “My purpose is to model that, sometimes (often) fail, and let them see me learn from it.”

In his book The Path to Purpose , Stanford psychologist William Damon argues that purpose happens when our skills meet the needs of the world. While that idea doesn’t precisely translate into parenting, it’s always the case that we’re better at some aspects of parenting than others. When you play with your kids, you shouldn’t always just do the things they enjoy; it’s important to do the things you like to do, too. If you’re good at baseball, see if they’ll play ball with you. If it’s Star Wars you love, watch the movies over and over with your kids, and talk about the messages the movies impart .

“We constantly inject joy into our lives,” said Taylor. “We dress up, we play, we talk about what make us happy and ask what makes each other happy.” He’s on the right track: There is a great deal of research suggesting that fostering positive emotions —like happiness and gratitude —can lead us to a sense of purpose.

That can be difficult to do in the face of disease and quarantine, violence and protest, unemployment and uncertainty. But making the pursuit of positive emotions a part of your purpose as a father can help your family to navigate the multiple, interlocking crises that we are facing. Confronting those crises provides us with a sense of purpose, too. That’s why I go with my son to Black Lives Matter protests, and why I talk with him about the work I’m doing at home, in quarantine, for the Greater Good Science Center. In this way, I teach my son to have a sense of purpose—and so open the door to its benefits for him.

The gift of having a sense of purpose is that it reminds us of the future we want for our children, and it shows us how we can work toward that future today.

This article is part of a GGSC initiative on “ Finding Purpose Across the Lifespan ,” supported by the John Templeton Foundation. In a series of articles, podcast episodes, and other resources, we’ll be exploring why and how to deepen your sense of purpose at different stages of life.

About the Author

Jeremy Adam Smith

Uc berkeley.

Jeremy Adam Smith edits the GGSC's online magazine, Greater Good . He is also the author or coeditor of five books, including The Daddy Shift , Are We Born Racist? , and (most recently) The Gratitude Project: How the Science of Thankfulness Can Rewire Our Brains for Resilience, Optimism, and the Greater Good . Before joining the GGSC, Jeremy was a John S. Knight Journalism Fellow at Stanford University.

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Child Development

The Importance of Fathers for Child Development

How fathers contribute to children’s well-being..

Posted June 15, 2021 | Reviewed by Chloe Williams

Fathers play an important role in a child's development and can affect a child's social competence, performance in school and emotion regulation.
Fathers can also affect a child's wellbeing indirectly. A supportive relationship between parents is linked to better self-regulation in a child.
Countries such as Norway and Sweden attempt to engage fathers and mothers equally in caregiving by providing paternal as well as maternal leave.

Historically, mothers have received more research attention than fathers. And mothers have more often been characterized as children’s primary caregivers, whereas fathers have been characterized as playmates. However, in many countries, gender roles have become more equitable over time, and research now suggests that fathers play many important roles in child development .

Direct and Indirect Effects of Fathers on Children’s Well-Being

Fathers are not just helpers for mothers but are important to children in their own right. For example, children with sensitive and supportive fathers have higher levels of social competence and better peer relationships. Children whose fathers provide them with learning materials and speak with them frequently perform better in school and have more advanced language skills. Fathers can serve those roles even when they do not live with the child. For example, regardless of whether they live together, children who have regular positive contact with their father tend to regulate their emotions better than children who have no contact with their father. Nevertheless, if no father is involved, other caregivers can also serve those functions. Family structure is less important than having loving caregivers meeting children’s physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs.

In addition to these direct effects that fathers have on children, a father can also influence a child’s well-being indirectly through his relationship with the child’s mother. Conflict between parents is detrimental to children’s well-being, especially if conflict is hostile and unresolved. Supportive co- parenting relationships, by contrast, are related to better self-regulation and fewer behavior problems in children. Families function as entire systems, not just as isolated parent-child dyads.

Family Structure

If two parents are involved in a child’s life, these two parents may contribute to children’s well-being in different ways. For example, parenting effects may be additive (more love from more people is better for the child) or buffering (harshness by one parent might be offset by care from the other parent). For other parenting functions, as long as someone is doing it (e.g., keeping track of the child’s whereabouts), both parents don’t necessarily need to do it.

Regardless of family structure, children need to have their physical needs met, have cognitive stimulation, and feel loved and accepted. If a father or mother is not involved in the child’s life, another caregiver can serve these functions, but it is important for all caregivers to have support in their caregiving role. This support can come from the child’s other parent, extended family, friends, or others.

Supportive Social Policies for Fathers

Countries differ in supports for fatherhood. In some countries, mothers are still considered children’s primary caregivers, and only mothers are eligible for parental leave. Other countries attempt to engage fathers and mothers equally in caregiving through social policies providing for paternal as well as maternal leave following the birth or adoption of a child. For example, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden offer paid paternal as well as maternal leave, and paternal leave cannot simply be transferred to the mother.

Whether leave policies can be used by fathers as well as mothers has important implications for gender roles within families and at a societal level. When fathers take parental leave and have time devoted to caring for their children, they are more likely to perceive themselves as active co-parents, and children relate to both parents more equitably.

Fathers and Child Well-Being

Fathers are important to children’s well-being. Sensitive, supportive, involved fathers contribute to children’s physical, cognitive, emotional, and social adjustment. Fathers also influence children’s well-being in conjunction with mothers and other caregivers, making it important to understand father-child relationships as part of entire family systems.

Jennifer E. Lansford, Ph.D., is a Research Professor at Duke University who studies parenting and child development in diverse cultural contexts.

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Role of Father in Our Life Essay

The Father of today is educated and has a logical vision. The image of today’s father has broken all the social obstructions. Today, he has transformed into a trendy dad.

We celebrate Father’s Day every year on 19 June to strengthen the relationship and remind a father of the sacrifices he endured towards his kids when they were in need.

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In our everyday understanding, a father is simply the male parent of a child, the person who heads and leads the family. However, the role of a father goes beyond these basic definitions. In reality, a father is the one who anticipates the needs of the family, assumes responsibility, and fulfills all the duties required to shape their lives. He earns the respect of his children through his selfless actions and remarkable deeds.

In modern times, fathers have embraced a new role as inspirations and promoters for their children. They actively participate in their children’s activities, ensuring they make the right choices and guiding them along the way. They attentively observe their children’s challenges and provide valuable advice to help them develop a strong sense of self. The father’s concern lies in securing a better future for his children, and he finds joy in their accomplishments.

The fathers of today are mature, knowledgeable, and very much aware of the cutting-edge needs of the world. They carefully assess their children’s inclinations and decisions, making dedicated efforts to nurture their talents and achieve their objectives. The children hold immense love and respect for their fathers, recognizing their role in their healthy growth, providing them with appropriate guidance, and helping them build a solid foundation for their lives.

Moreover, the modern father is educated and possesses a logical vision. He has shattered the societal barriers and transformed into a “trendy dad.” His progressive thinking aligns with the demands of the time, and he effectively utilizes his knowledge and modern approach in raising his children. He equips them with the necessary skills and confidence to navigate the competitive landscape of today’s world.

One of the father’s greatest realizations is the importance of giving space to his children, allowing quiet moments for understanding their thoughts, emotions, desires, dreams, aspirations , and challenges. He as an ideal father makes all efforts to meet the necessities of his children.

Even a father who faces financial constraints ensures that his children’s genuine requirements are met, preventing them from experiencing feelings of inadequacy. This devoted father is willing to work tirelessly, exerting himself to enhance his earnings for the sake of his children. He may make sacrifices and limit his own needs, but he never hesitates to prioritize the well-being of his children.

In today’s world, fathers no longer impose their own career choices on their children. They encourage their sons and daughters to follow their own paths based on their individual interests, suitability, and capabilities. The tradition of specific family professions is gradually fading away. A doctor may not insist that his son becomes a doctor, a professor may not pressure their children into academia, and an army officer may not enforce military service on his son. Instead, fathers aspire for their children to have a better future, guided by their own aspirations.

A father is a mature and compassionate individual who assists his children in making important decisions. Like most devoted fathers, he plays an essential role in their lives, helping shape their careers and resolving their everyday issues. When you are looking for help and guidance against the odds, you first of all approach your father who comes forward leaving all his personal priorities and doing the needful. Fathers work tirelessly, making numerous sacrifices to address their children’s concerns and find solutions.

It is very important that we should give deep respect and pay the highest regard to our fathers not just because they are fathers, but for their unmatched fatherhood and incredible sacrifices towards us. Their unwavering dedication to our well-being and their selfless acts deserve our utmost admiration. Let us honor and cherish our fathers for the remarkable role they play in our lives.

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Importance of fathers

Table of Contents

Today’s children are tomorrow’s citizens. They are future parents too. Responsible fathers turn their children into respectable, law–abiding, and disciplined adults. This is necessary for any nation / country to prosper in all respects. An irresponsible father turns his children’s lives chaotic and destroys their well-being. This is the most unwanted thing in any society. In this backdrop, society needs responsible fathers, not just fathers.

Thesis statement

A responsible father has to play three important roles in his life to transform his children as respectable citizens. In the role of a father, he should build up their character mending their ways whenever necessary. In the role of a strict disciplinarian, he should take steps to see that they do not go astray in their lives by awarding suitable punishments. In the role of a playmate, the father should boost up their self-confidence and turn them into healthy citizens. When a father performs these three roles like a seasoned actor, the children become perfect citizens.

Sun, as the Father of the Universe, controls all the planets revolving around it. It keeps them in their gravitational equilibrium in the outer space and makes them adhere to their routine motions. Similarly, as the head of a family, a father should recognize his responsibilities and duties towards his children and assume the role of a mentor of their actions. He should take upon himself the prime responsibility for their behavior, good or bad. The actions of children reflect their character and the character speaks of their upbringing pattern. It is therefore the prime responsibility of a father to train his children and mend their actions in such a way that they grow up as law-abiding citizens with good educational background, love for co-children and respect for elders. For example, as mentor, a father educates them on how to behave with their classmates at school and how to treat the incoming guests at home. A responsible father should teach his children how to develop their IQ and put it to use. A father should also comply with the financial needs of his children until they turn earning members themselves. We see so many abandoned children turning into juvenile thieves / vagabonds/ anti-social elements posing serious law and order problems to the order of the day. Lack of financial independence is the major reason for the abandoned and neglected children turning into problem citizens. When a father brings up his children, in a systematic manner mending their ways and attending to their financial needs, there is little scope of them turning into anti socials. To put it simply, a father should not satisfy himself with his attaining fatherhood, but he should also be a responsible father. Or else, he is not a father at all.

As the head of a family, a father should also assume the role of a strict disciplinarian for his children. Who else will teach them the order and discipline, if not the father? Forgetting that he is a lovable father, he should see himself in the footsteps of a strict police officer. Undisciplined children turn chaotic and that is most dangerous for any society, as today’s children are tomorrow’s citizens. Fathers must keep this in mind while upbringing their children. Discipline evolves by practice. The practice of sticking to school schedules and bed timings, eating at proper intervals, and wearing suitable dress, in addition to maintaining gentle behavior at home and outside forms part of the ethics and dynamics of self- discipline. It ushers in self-confidence and respectability of the children. A child becomes a father and up-brings his children in turn over a period. A father must discipline his children whenever they behave erratic by awarding suitable punishments. Children, brought up with such a background, would learn how to respect their parents, family elders, rules of the society and order of the day. It is a non-disputable fact that a child respecting his / her elders also respects his / her society. The main responsibility of a father here is that he should inculcate the principles of co-existence and love in children’s minds.

A responsible father should also play a third role, as a playmate of his children, for their overall well-being. Here, he should encourage his children into playing games at school and on streets at leisure timings. Participation in games, irrespective of defeat or win in competitions, will boost up the self-confidence of children and keep them fit always. It enhances their courage levels and keeps their minds and bodies very much active. When the body and mind are vibrant and active, it leads to a complete personality. It adds up to the children’s intelligence and they can take appropriate decisions at times of adversity. They would be in a position to tackle complicated situations arising out of any kind of rough weather. Swami Vivekananda says that a few heart-whole, sincere, and energetic men and women can do more in a year than a mob in a century.

Society needs responsible fathers. There is no alternative to this.

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Essay on My Father for Students and Children

500+ words essay on my father.

Essay on My Father: Usually, people talk about a mother’s love and affection, in which a father’s love often gets ignored. A mother’s love is talked about repeatedly everywhere, in movies, in shows and more. Yet, what we fail to acknowledge is the strength of a father which often goes unnoticed. Father’s a blessing which not many people have in their lives. It would also be wrong to say that every father is the ideal hero for their kids because that is not the case. However, I can vouch for my father without any second thoughts when it comes to being an ideal person.

My Father is Different!

As everyone likes to believe that their father is different, so do I. Nonetheless, this conviction is not merely based on the love I have for him, but also because of his personality. My father owns a business and is quite disciplined in all aspects of life. He is the one who taught me to always practice discipline no matter what work I do.

Most importantly, he has a jovial nature and always makes my mother laugh with his silly antics even after 27 years of marriage. I completely adore this silly side of him when he is with his loved ones. He tries his best to fulfill all our wishes but also maintains the strictness when the need arises.

One of the best things I love about my father is that he has always kept a very safe and open home environment. For instance, my siblings and I can talk about anything with him without the fear of being scolded or judged. This has helped us not to lie, which I have often noticed with my friends.

In addition, my father has an undying love for animals which makes him very sympathetic towards them. He practices his religion devotedly and is very charitable too. I have never seen my father misbehave with his elders in my entire life which makes me want to be like him even more.

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My Father is My Source of Inspiration

I can proudly say that it is my father who has been my source of inspiration from day one. In other words, his perspective and personality together have shaped me as a person. Similarly, he has a great impact on the world as well in his own little ways. He devotes his free time in taking care of stray animals which inspires me to do the same.

My father has taught me the meaning of love in the form of a rose he gifts to my mother daily without fail. This consistency and affection encourage all of us to treat them the same way. All my knowledge of sports and cars, I have derived from my father. It is one of the sole reasons why I aspire to be a cricket player in the future.

To sum it up, I believe that my father has it all what it takes to be called a real-life superhero. The way he manages things professionally and personally leaves me mesmerized every time. No matter how tough the times got, I watched my father become tougher. I certainly aspire to become like my father. If I could just inherit ten percent of what he is, I believe my life will be sorted.

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Why Fathers Are Important in a Child’s Life: 16 Key Reasons

Callen Winslow explores relationship complexities and the human experience. Drawing on psychology, he believes in everyone's potential for growth and fulfillment.

In This Article

Fathers play a crucial role in a child’s life. Their presence contributes significantly to a child’s emotional, cognitive, and social development. Fathers often encourage risk-taking and competition, fostering independence and problem-solving skills.

They also model behaviors, especially for sons, in understanding masculinity and forming relationships. Emotionally, a father’s support and love provide a sense of security and self-esteem.

So, do you want to know more about why fathers are important in a child’s life?

Research shows children with involved fathers have better educational outcomes, fewer behavioral problems, and healthier adult relationships. Father-child interactions, distinct from mother-child ones, offer a broader, richer range of experiences, helping children navigate the complexities of the world.

What is the role of a father in a child’s life?

Fathers hold a pivotal role in shaping a child’s life, offering unique contributions that significantly impact their development and future.

Fathers provide emotional support, offering love, security, and reassurance that foster self-esteem and emotional well-being.
They set examples in behavior, work ethic, and relationships, especially influencing sons to understand masculinity.
Fathers encourage children to take risks and face challenges, promoting independence and resilience.
Their involvement in problem-solving and educational activities contributes to better academic performance and cognitive skills.
Fathers often have a unique approach to discipline, balancing authority with empathy and guiding children in decision-making.
They play a key role in social development, helping children learn to navigate social dynamics and build relationships.
Typically engaging in more physical play, fathers aid in motor skill development and physical fitness.
Fathers provide different viewpoints and experiences, enriching a child’s understanding of the world.
They teach children, particularly boys, healthy ways to express and manage emotions.
Fathers influence children’s career choices and aspirations through their own work and life experiences.

16 key reasons why fathers are important in a child’s life

Fathers play a crucial role in the development and well-being of their children. Their importance cannot be overstated, as they contribute uniquely to the growth and development of their children.

To understand a father’s importance, we don’t have to compare it negatively to a mother’s role. So, instead of exploring reasons why fathers are more important than mothers, we must assess their intrinsic importance.

Here are some key reasons why fathers are important in a child’s life, each reason emphasizing a different aspect of their vital role.

1. Providing a sense of security

Fathers often provide a unique sense of security for their children. Their presence can make a child feel safe and protected, both physically and emotionally. This sense of security helps children to explore the world with confidence, knowing they have a solid support system at home.

2. Emotional development

Fathers significantly influence the emotional development of their children. Their interactions, responses, and emotional availability help shape their child’s ability to express, understand, and manage their own emotions.

3. Role modeling

Fathers serve as role models, especially in terms of behavior, values, and ethics. Children often look up to their fathers and mimic their actions and beliefs. This modeling can significantly influence a child’s character and life choices.

4. Encouraging risk-taking

Fathers are known to encourage risk-taking in a healthy way. This can lead to children being more willing to take on challenges, face their fears, and develop resilience.

5. Development of cognitive skills

The involvement of fathers in teaching and playtime activities has been shown to positively impact the cognitive development of their children. They often engage in problem-solving and physical play that stimulates cognitive growth.

6. Providing a different perspective

Fathers can offer a different perspective from mothers, contributing to a more well-rounded upbringing. This diversity in viewpoints can help children develop critical thinking and an understanding of different aspects of life.

7. Fostering independence

Fathers often encourage independence in their children, teaching them to be self-reliant and confident in their abilities. This can lead to a stronger sense of self and better preparation for adult life.

8. Building social skills

Interactions with fathers can help children develop essential social skills. Fathers often play in a more physical and spontaneous way, which can teach children about boundaries, cooperation, and adaptability in social settings.

9. Strengthening the family bond

Fathers play a crucial role in strengthening the family bond. Their involvement and presence contribute to a more cohesive and supportive family environment.

10. Offering life lessons

Fathers often impart valuable life lessons through their experiences. These teachings can be instrumental in shaping a child’s understanding of the world and preparing them for adulthood.

11. Providing emotional support

Fathers provide emotional support, offering comfort, guidance, and understanding during challenging times. This support is essential in helping children navigate through emotional difficulties.

A study on Korean adolescents revealed that fathers’ emotional support positively affects their self-evaluation and social roles, with variations based on age and family affluence, highlighting the importance of paternal support in child development

12. Encouraging educational achievement

Fathers who are involved in their child’s education often encourage higher academic achievement. Their support and interest can motivate children to excel in their studies.

13. Nurturing resilience

Through their guidance and support, fathers help in nurturing resilience in their children. They teach them how to face challenges, recover from setbacks, and persist in the face of difficulties.

14. Promoting physical well-being

Fathers often encourage physical activity and sports, promoting a healthy lifestyle and physical well-being in their children.

15. Instilling discipline and responsibility

Fathers play a key role in instilling discipline and a sense of responsibility in their children, teaching them the value of hard work, commitment, and the importance of fulfilling their duties.

16. Providing a male perspective

If you are wondering why are fathers important to a family, assess the different perspectives that they provide.

Fathers provide a male perspective, which is important in a child’s development. Understanding different gender viewpoints helps children in forming balanced and inclusive views about society.

Watch this video to learn more about the impact that a parent has on a child’s behavior:

Why is a father important in a girl’s life?

A research study exploring the effects of the father-daughter relationship on adolescent girls’ psychological outcomes underscores the significant role fathers play in daughters’ development.

The study, involving 310 girls aged 14-18 from Turkey, used self-report surveys to assess perceptions of the father-daughter relationship, psychological needs satisfaction, well-being, and ill-being.

Results from structural equation modeling revealed that a positive father-daughter relationship is directly linked to higher well-being and lower ill-being in daughters.

Moreover, the study found that the satisfaction of basic psychological needs significantly mediates the impact of this relationship on girls’ mental health.

These findings highlight the profound influence fathers have on their daughters’ psychological development, suggesting the importance of nurturing father-daughter relationships for the mental health of adolescent girls.

In a nutshell

The reasons why fathers are important in a child’s life are multifaceted and deeply impactful.

From providing security and emotional development to fostering independence and resilience, fathers have a unique and irreplaceable role in shaping their children’s lives.

Their influence is not just complementary to that of mothers but stands as a vital pillar in the comprehensive development of a child.

Understanding why fathers are the best, why dads are important, and why the father is important in our lives highlights the invaluable contributions they make to the family and society.

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Callen Winslow is a passionate writer who focuses on the complexities of relationships and the human experience. Drawing on his background in psychology, he believes that everyone has the potential for personal growth and fulfillment Read more in their relationships. When not writing, Callen can often be found indulging his love of art and sculpture or exploring his fascination with astronomy through stargazing. Read less

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Home — Essay Samples — Sociology — Family Relationships — The importance of a father in the home

The Importance of a Father in The Home

Categories: Family Relationships Father

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Published: Jan 4, 2019

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The Heart of Fathering

by George R. Williams, Ph.D.

Turning Hearts to the Children

Being a father is more of an art rather than a science. Science involves facts of the mind but the art of fathering involves feelings of the heart. And at the core of these feelings is the love of God expressed through being a godly father. Science is about what you know, but art is about what you do.

In Malachi 4:5-6 it is written, “See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the LORD comes. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse.” As we study the book of Luke we see that John the Baptist came to fulfill this scripture. Luke 1:17 reads, “And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous– to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (NIV)

Our primary mission for our role as fathers is to introduce our children to a personal relationship with the Heavenly Father through the sacrificial gift of His Son our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The Heart of a Child

Every year the National Center for Fathering receives thousands of essays from it’s Father of the Year Essay Contest. Throughout February and March teachers from across the country participate in this powerful classroom activity by having their students grades (1-12) submit an essay, 300 words or less on the theme “What My Father Means to Me.”

Here we share two essays taken, “from the lips of children…” The names have been change to protect their privacy. The first is about a positive experience with at father and the second is a negative experience with a father. The theme that runs through both is a child’s love despite imperfect fathers.

Mary in the fourth grade

When I think about what my father means to me, I realize that most of my special memories and feelings towards him come from the little things he does every day.

My father has never saved me from a burning castle or an avalanche, but he does hug me an tell me to have a good day.

My father doesn’t buy me expensive or fancy toys, but he does whisper to me that I’m his special treasure.

My father has never fought off dragons for me, but he has taught me how to play the guitar and we dance to the radio when on one is looking.

My father has never scared off evil monsters with a scream, but the sound of his voice reading to me at night lets me drift to sleep.

My father is not a super hero in a comic book, but when I watch him and my mother smile at each other, I know he is her hero.

He is to me what the sun is to a flower. He shines down on me every day and keeps me warm, No one notices the light but the flower. To the flower the light is the world… it is everything. I would like to see nothing more from my relationship with my father ten what he gives me now because he is all that I could ask for in a father.

George in the 5th grade

My father is like a pepper that burns my tongue. My dad is not consistent with his parenting. At the time the way he treated me really hurt, but I have to say I learned from it.

When I would question my dad about why he wouldn’t call, he’d say he lost my number, as if I were a baby and could not understand that he was trouble. Although he is so absent in my life, I wish he would tell me that he thinks about me and loves me.

Some things about my dad I can put behind me. For instance, when he calls every blue moon, or when he doesn’t pay child support. I find it hard to understand how a parent could totally abandon a child. “What have I done wrong?”

Everyday I grow and understand more. He doesn’t come around because he is conflicted about the nurturing that he has not provided. What he doesn’t understand is that I love him despite his faults.

These two emotionally moving essays show that many children have their hearts already turned to their fathers even if they are absent. The change that must be made is the father’s heart turned to the child.

Turning the Heart of the Father

Where are the hearts of fathers today? There are many reasons why a father’s heart may be turned away from his child. The number one reason is a spiritual reason and that is the curse of sin. The result of sin is diametric to God’s plan and purpose. God told man to be fruitful and multiply (Gen. 1:28) and sin caused man to be barren and divided. The father of sin is referred to as diabolos in the Greek, whose root word means to divide. It divided man from God, from woman and from his children.

There are two main reasons a man would chose to be apart from his child. He might run away from his responsibility because of influences within himself. Examples are because of immaturity, fear, lack of resources and plain selfishness a father will run away.

He might be pushed away from the responsibilities because outside influences. Examples are because of the courts, the child’s mother, the military and incarceration a father allows himself to be pushed away. Even though the reasons are different the results are similar for the child. These fathers open the door of the curses (Exodus 20:5) of infant mortality, poverty, illiteracy, abuse, health risks and incarceration becoming likely to be played out in that child’s life.

We need fathers who are determined to fulfill their biblical leadership roles. These fathers whose hearts are turned to their children will be here to stay fathers. The type of fathers that regardless of what is going on in his life or around his life he is a loving involved father. These fathers lead to blessing our children (Exodus 20:6).

For many who do not know another way than running away or being pushed away they cannot go another way. They must be trained from the word of God about the role of the father in order to change. For still others it is not a matter of knowing but having someone show them. Philip said to Jesus, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” (John 8:14) These fathers are like Phillip and need to see a model of a “real” father before they can change.

For you there may be a difference between the type of father you think you are and the type your child says you are. Your child wants you, needs you and loves you. My prayer is that you will determine to be to your children the type of father your Heavenly Father is toward you. Let your heart be turn to your child!

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Nothing is important but the victims: Father of Ron Goldman, stabbed next to Nicole Brown, speaks on OJ death

T he father of Ron Goldman, who was murdered alongside his friend Nicole Brown 30 years ago, said the news of OJ Simpson ’s death was a further reminder of how long his son has been gone, and how much he is missed.

Goldman, 25, and Brown, 35, were stabbed to death on 12 June 1994 outside Brown’s home in Brentwood , California .

Simpson, Brown’s ex-husband, was charged with their murders but acquitted in what was dubbed the “trial of the century”. A civil court later found Simpson, a former NFL player and actor, liable for their deaths.

Ron’s father, Fred Goldman, 83, told The Independent on Thursday that he was focused on remembering the victims following the news that Simpon had died.

“The only thing I have to say is that today is just a further reminder of how long my son has been gone,” Mr Goldman said . “And how many years, and how much he’s been missed. And the only thing that is important today are the victims. Nothing else is important today.”

Mr Goldman earlier told NBC News that Simpson’s death was “no great loss to the world”.

The Goldman family’s attorney, David Cook, told The Independent that Simpson had “died without penance”.

“When people die without penance, it means they are really stuck. If they die without penance they will still not see God,” said Mr Cook.

Ronald Lyle Goldman grew up in a Chicago suburb, where he and his sister, Kim, were raised by their father. Ron moved to California with his family when he was 18, and worked as a model, tennis coach, recruiter and waiter. He had aspirations to open his own restaurant and bar.

On the night that he died, Ron had gone to Brown’s condo to return prescription sunglasses that her mother had left at a restaurant, Mezzaluna, where he worked. Fred Goldman told People magazine in 2019 that it “was one of those acts of decency and kindness that ultimately cost him his life”.

When reached by phone on Thursday, Nicole Brown’s youngest sister, Tanya Brown, told The Independent that she had no comment to make on Simpson’s death.

Gloria Allred, who represented Nicole Brown’s family during the trial, told TMZ: “Simpson’s death reminds us that the legal system, even 30 years later, is still failing battered women, and that the power of celebrity men to avoid true justice for the harm that they inflict on their wives or significant others is still a major obstacle to the right of women to be free of the gender violence to which they are still subjected.”

Simpson, 76, died on Wednesday following a battle with prostate cancer, according to his family.

“On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer,” his family said in a statement. “He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace.”

Simpson’s 1995 murder trial became a public spectacle. It made the former footballer a notorious figure in US culture, and his reputation never recovered.

Although he was acquitted, by a mostly Black jury, he was later ordered to pay $33.5m to the victim’s families in civil court. He only paid some of the debt before his death.

Simpson is believed to have been worth $3m at his death, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

The former NFL player was convicted of armed robbery and kidnapping following a 2007 incident related to the sale of sports memorabilia in a Las Vegas hotel room. He served nine years in prison.

Simpson is survived by his children Arnelle, Jason, Sydney and Justin Simpson, and three grandchildren.

Sheila Flynn contributed to this report

The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking news brand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. We have grown a huge, global readership of independently minded individuals, who value our trusted voice and commitment to positive change. Our mission, making change happen, has never been as important as it is today.

Shani Louk: Hamas victim's father defends award-winning photo of her body as 'symbol' of an era

The father of a woman killed by Hamas has defended an award-winning image of her.
The Associated Press photo showed Shani Louk half naked and face down in the back of a Hamas pickup.
This article contains an image that may cause distress.

The father of a woman who was killed during Hamas' October 7 attacks on Israel has defended the decision to present a prestigious journalism award to a freelancer who photographed his daughter's dead body.

The Associated Press freelancer Ali Mahmud won the Reynolds Journalism Institute's award for the team picture story of the year for the image, which showed Shani Louk's lifeless body splayed in the back of a pickup truck and surrounded by Hamas militants.

Louk, a German tattoo artist, had been attending an outdoor "festival for peace" party near the Urim kibbutz when Hamas fighters targeted the area in a terrorist attack.

The dispute over the image comes against the backdrop of an ongoing information war that has included pro-Israel commentators questioning the integrity of freelance photographers working in Gaza.

Meanwhile, accusations of disinformation and image doctoring have abounded on social media and fueled fears over the use of AI as a propaganda tool.

The award of the prize to Mahmud's photo re-ignited some of these talking points and led to a strong backlash on social media.

The official X, formerly Twitter, profile for the state of Israel appeared to react to the news of the award by sharing several images of Louk alive and smiling, writing: "This is how we want Shani Louk to be remembered."

'This is one of the most important photos in the last 50 years'

But Louk's father, Nissim Louk, told the Israeli news outlet Ynet that he was glad the photo won the award.

"It's good that the photo won the prize," he said. "This is one of the most important photos in the last 50 years. These are some of the photos that shape human memory."

Nissim added that the image of his daughter and those of Noa Argamani being taken hostage by Hamas militants on a motorcycle were images that "symbolize this era."

"I think it's a good thing to use it to inform the future," he said. "If I start crying, what will come of it? This is history. In 100 years, they will look and know what happened here. I travel the world, and everyone knows who Shani is."

It is now six months since the start of the Israel-Gaza war, which broke out after Hamas' October 7 attacks that killed about 1,200 people and saw around 240 others kidnapped and taken hostage in Gaza.

Israel responded to the attacks with relentless airstrikes and a ground invasion of the territory. More than 32,000 Palestinians have so far been killed, Al Jazeera reported.

Israel announced on Sunday that it had reduced the number of troops in the south of Gaza, with just one brigade remaining there. A military spokesperson gave no details on the reasoning for the move, per Reuters .

It comes as Israel faces mounting international pressure over the killing of seven World Central Kitchen workers on Monday.

Watch: Israeli police attack Palestinian mourners at journalist's funeral

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Lucy (Ella Purnell) standing in the doorway of a dilapidated home looking skeptical

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The Fallout TV series is more like a great sequel to the games than just an adaptation

Fallout is the rare adaptation that adds to its source material

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Fallout is a franchise that’s held together by tone just as much as any unifying story beats or canon. The series’ distinct post-apocalyptic vision of an America that never escaped the wide eyes, fake smiles, and faker optimism of the Cold War has become iconic, and its version of Americana shot through with radioactive black humor is more identifiable than any single character from the games will ever be (except Vault Boy, of course). It’s a series that revels in its ability to be funny, touching, sad, sweet, and disgusting all in a single moment. And that tone is what Amazon Prime Video’s new Fallout TV series captures best, and what makes it an excellent addition to the franchise, rather than just an adaptation.

The new show, created by Geneva Robertson-Dworet and Graham Wagner, smartly adapts Fallout’s world and setting without attempting to retell any of the stories from the game series directly. There are Vaults, where cheery survivors of the nuclear blasts that destroyed most of America wait out the apocalypse. We’ve got the militaristic Brotherhood of Steel, along with irradiated surface-dwellers known as ghouls. And just about everything in the vast Wasteland and out is run by Vault-Tec. In other words, it’s a world that’s unmistakably rooted in Fallout’s canon. It’s a loving re-creation of the icons of the Fallout universe, but it’s also more than that, pushing the entire franchise forward into a new story and bigger world.

Fallout ’s story is mostly centered around Lucy (Ella Purnell), a Vault Dweller who leaves her home to find her father (Kyle MacLachlan). In her travels through the Wasteland, she meets Maximus (Aaron Moten), a squire in the Brotherhood of Steel; a bounty hunter simply known as The Ghoul (Walton Goggins); and plenty of other very strange denizens.

The show follows all of these characters as their paths cross and converge in the Wasteland of Los Angeles in search of a scientist who has escaped the Enclave with a dangerous technology that could change the balance of power in the Wasteland forever. In typical Fallout fashion, this story is mostly here to help push our heroes further into the world of the Wasteland to see all the strangeness it has to offer.

Lucy (Ella Purnell) stands with a scientist (Michael Emerson) and a shopkeeper from the Wasteland (Dale Dickey) all looking at something

That world is one of the things Fallout nails from its earliest moments. The live-action Vaults have the same steel-caged Americana atmosphere that made them immediately effective in Fallout 3 ’s opening, with long, artificially bright hallways lined with cheerful mailboxes and blast-proof doors. But it’s on the surface where the show really starts to shine. Fallout was filmed on location and with gorgeous and grimy practical sets that make the Wasteland feel real and alive. Clothes are ripped and torn, walls are rough and patched, and everything from the guns to the technology feels cobbled together from the scrap of the world that used to be. All of this comes into sharp focus anytime the Brotherhood of Steel appears in its power-armored glory, looking terrifying in its completeness.

There are plenty of Easter eggs, as you might expect from a video game adaptation, but Fallout manages to make them seem like part of the world, too. It all feels real and believable as pieces of a whole existence that these people have scraped together, which goes a long way toward helping the show’s humor land. Even the Easter eggs feel carefully designed to fit into the world and the lives of the characters, rather than drawing focus away from them or sticking out as a glaring distraction. But as well-drawn as Fallout ’s world is, it’s the characters that really make the show stand both head and shoulders above other video game adaptations, and over most TV shows released so far this year.

In the show’s first few episodes, Lucy greets the Wasteland with nothing but fascination and kindness, giving us a window to experience the horrors of the surface by proxy. This too-innocent schtick is one that constantly threatens to wear thin but never does, thanks in large part to Purnell’s winning charm and laser-precise delivery of the show’s many punchlines. But even more impressive is the show’s commitment to giving her an arc. She constantly meets characters who tell her that the Wasteland changes people, sucks the humanity and goodness out of them until nothing is left but survival. A lesser show might use Lucy as a big-eyed, bumbling example of how goodness and kindness can win out in the end, but the Fallout creators strive to examine something more interesting: How can you keep your humanity when kindness is off the table? Her pluckiness and can-do attitude never die, but her values shift — sometimes subtly, as she realizes she can’t help everyone she sees in the Wasteland, and other times more abruptly, like when she meets a pair of cannibals on the road. It’s a literal and metaphorical journey, one that deepens a character that easily could have ended up as the boring and naïve archetype she seems like on paper.

Lucy (Ella Purnell) and her dad Hank (Kyle MacLachlan) sitting on a couch smiling in a Vault living room

This kind of impressive depth and creativity is all over Fallout ’s characters. Maximus gets a fascinating arc about coming to terms with the fact that the members of the Brotherhood of Steel might not be the paragons of virtue that he thought, and even Lucy’s little brother back in Vault 33 gets a fun mystery story about the nature of his Vault’s relationship to those around them. The show also excels in its brief, silly one-off stories about eccentric survivors that are nicer (or crazier) than our main characters originally assumed.

It’s no surprise that the characters are the strongest part of Fallout ; after all, it’s the shared middle ground between the game series and the medium of television. For all the qualities of their main stories, the real joy of Fallout games is exploring the Wasteland, finding its strangest inhabitants, and hearing their ridiculous stories and bizarre beliefs, or witnessing their comically absurd feats of violence and survival. Robertson-Dworet and Wagner’s Fallout captures this feeling perfectly, with characters in every episode stumbling into new situations that feel like they could easily be side quests taken straight from the games, like an organ-harvesting ring in an old supermarket or an open Vault where things are much stranger than they appear.

While all of this makes for an excellent and entertaining TV show — and a surprisingly effective adaptation of the series — Fallout ’s biggest coup is how much it effortlessly adds to the world of the games. Most of the series’ deeper lore implications come by way of flashbacks of The Ghoul’s life before the war. These snippets make up a very small part of the show’s run time, but they tell a compelling mystery story centered around Vault-Tec, giving us our best look yet at its origins and the political murkiness of Fallout ’s prewar period. It’s a thoughtful look at how Fallout’s world came to be so broken, all told through the lens of the kind of ’50s Hollywood noir film that would feel right at home as a reference in one of the games.

A still of Walton Goggins walking out of a Vault door in a suit, talking to the camera

Fallout justifies its existence by bringing new things to the universe it’s set in, without setting itself apart from that universe. Unlike other recent video game adaptations, such as The Last of Us , which capably and elegantly retell the story of their source material, Fallout expands on it by building out the world of the games that fans already love. The Fallout series’ open-world design makes any adaptation complicated, considering how much content the games can pack into their massive settings that players could spend hundreds of hours on. But building on a preexisting world like this is difficult. Fans are fiercely protective of the worlds they love — which is why a show like Halo built a separate timeline for its adaptation , or why Twisted Metal totally changed the lore of its bygone franchise. But Fallout pulls off the high-wire act brilliantly. Robertson-Dworet and Wagner’s admiration for the video game series is obvious, but what’s more important here is their ability to make a good TV show with a well-told story and interesting characters, which just happens to be deeply rooted in Fallout’s world and signature so-dark-you-have-to-laugh tone.

In the press tour for the show, its creators have frequently said that they thought of the Prime Video series more like Fallout 5 than just an adaptation of the video game franchise. And perhaps the highest praise the show earns is that it absolutely feels like a game sequel that happens to be transposed into another medium. And after a fantastic first season, it’s hard to be anything but excited for the next chapter of Fallout, whether that’s a new season of TV or a return to video games .

Fallout season 1 drops on Prime Video on April 10.

Your guide to Fallout’s vaults and wastelands

All the Fallout season 2 news we’ve heard so far
Fallout’s violence and gore are part of its charm
Fallout’s first look has a Vault Dweller-Ghoul-Brotherhood showdown
New Fallout trailer gives us our best look yet at Walton Goggins’ fascinating Ghoul
Digging through the Fallout TV series’ trailer and everything else we know about the show
Amazon’s Fallout TV series starts a new plot in the same universe as the games
Amazon’s Fallout series gives us a look at power armor, ghouls, and a new vault
Here’s a first look at Amazon’s Fallout TV series
Fallout’s glimpse of the Enclave is just the beginning
The Fallout TV show gives the game’s mascot an origin story that matters
The Fallout TV show reminds us: Vault-Tec really is that bad
The Fallout timeline
Bethesda and Microsoft: A tight relationship over two decades
Bethesda sues Warner Bros, calls its Westworld game ‘blatant rip-off’ of Fallout Shelter
A brief history of Bethesda’s many legal tangles
Fallout: New Vegas endures because of big clunky story swings
Fallout 76 will be free when the Fallout TV show debuts through Amazon Prime
I spent 453 hours in Fallout 4 and all I got was this stinkin’ inner peace
Fallout 76 still has a fan base that’s committed to the core
How Fallout 76 handles the Brotherhood of Steel
Every Fallout Easter egg in the Prime Video show

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Fred Goldman on O.J. Simpson’s Death: ‘The Only Thing That Is Important Today Are the Victims’

Fred Goldman, father of Ron Goldman, says his thoughts are with his son and Nicole Brown Simpson following the news of O.J. Simpson ’s death at the age of 76. Simpson was accused and later acquitted of killing Goldman and Brown Simpson in 1994. He was found liable, however, in a wrongful death civil suit brought by Goldman’s family in 1997.

“The only thing I have to say is that today is just a further reminder of how long we have missed my son, how long he’s been gone, and the only thing that is important today are the victims,” Goldman tells Rolling Stone . “That’s it. I have nothing else to say.”

Brown Simpson and Goldman were found stabbed to death outside her Los Angeles home on June 12, 1994. The murders led to one of the most infamous court cases in American history, with Simpson charged with the two murders. The trial was a media circus that spanned 10 months in 1995 and ultimately ended with Simpson’s acquittal.

In 2021, Goldman said he was surprised that Simpson told the sports news outlet The Athletic that a serious coronavirus infection he contracted left him contemplating his own death for the first time. “Honestly, the only thing that strikes a chord with me is that he didn’t think about death before. I think about his death all the time. I can think of no one better suited to be underground,” Goldman told the New York Daily News .

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Simpson’s children announced his death, saying their father died April 10 after a private battle with cancer. “He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace.”

Few details about his diagnosis have been released. Earlier this year, a television station in Las Vegas, where Simpson had been living, reported that he was undergoing treatment for cancer, and while Simpson neither confirmed nor denied the reports, he did rebuff rumors that he was in hospice care. Just before the Super Bowl, he posted a video on social media saying his health was good, adding, “I mean, obviously, I’m dealing with some issues, but I think I’m just about over it.”

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Latinx Files: A eulogy for my father

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Somewhere between the Texas speed trap towns of George West and Three Rivers, my dad uttered a phrase that nearly made me swerve his car off the road.

“Estoy muy orgulloso de ti, mijo.”

It was late November 2023 and we were heading northbound on U.S. 281, one of two main arteries that connect the Rio Grande Valley to the rest of the state, on our way to Arlington to watch the Dallas Cowboys take on the Seattle Seahawks. We were on an eight-hour road trip to make, as one friend so eloquently put it, a “pocho pilgrimage” to AT&T Stadium.

The words hit me like a ton of bricks. It’s not that he hadn’t expressed or shown the sentiment before. He had, and I could always tell how proud of me he was by the way he beamed when at his asking, I would tell him about the projects I was working on. I still remember his hearty laugh and “¡Ay, que Fidel!” when I revealed to him that one of the reasons behind the Día de Muertos digital altar was to sneak my grandfather — his father — into The Times .

This felt different, though. He had spoken like someone who knew he didn’t have much time left on this earth and wanted to make sure that nothing important was left unsaid.

I gripped the steering wheel as I processed the moment, focusing on keeping the car steady on that mesquite-lined highway. I took a beat and cleared my throat, fighting back tears as I tried to formulate a response.

“Yo sé, apá.”

It was the best I could muster.

My father was diagnosed with Stage 4 cardia gastric cancer in June 2022, and ever since I’ve tried to go back to Texas as often as possible.

The first 10 months were relatively easy. I would book a round-trip flight and meet him in Houston, where he was receiving care at MD Anderson Cancer Center. We’d stay a few days so he could see his doctors and get chemotherapy treatment, and when that was over with, we would drive the six hours to South Texas. I would then spend the next two weeks with my family before it was time to head to Houston again. Once his next round of treatment was complete, I’d return to L.A. and one of my siblings or my mother would bring him home.

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Despite the circumstances, or perhaps because of them, I came to enjoy those moments where it was just the two of us. I’d long learned that the best way to get my dad to open up was to talk to him about sports, so we killed long hours to and from Houston talking about his biggest love: fútbol . We both bought into the conspiracy theory that then-Mexican men’s national team head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino was going to sabotage El Tri during that year’s World Cup so that Argentina would win. Such was our pessimism that we correctly predicted that Mexico would not advance past the group stage. Once in a while, after we’d exhausted all our sports stakes, he’d share tidbits of memories from his childhood. More often than not, however, he’d ask me to turn down the stereo so he could watch sermons on YouTube for his spiritual fortification.

When the summer of 2023 rolled around, it became clear to me that he wasn’t going to beat cancer. The round-trip flights booked weeks ahead became one-way tickets purchased days before, and the scheduled doctors’ appointments turned to emergency visits to the hospital. Despite the initial effectiveness of his treatment, his cancer was aggressive and spread to more parts of his body. By fall, it dawned on me that I could likely count with my fingers the number of times I’d get to see him again. This realization only strengthened my resolve to make every moment with him count, to take every opportunity to express how much I loved him. For the first time in a decade, I spent both Thanksgiving and Christmas at home. In between those holidays, I took him on the aforementioned trip to Arlington and my brother accompanied him to Mexico City for the Liga MX final. That way, we figured, if he was truly not long for this world, he may as well go out with a bang.

The wheels started falling off quickly at the start of 2024. By late January, he had lost so much weight and become so frail that he needed a walker to move around. In mid-February, his oncologist told him that they had exhausted every possible treatment. The goal now was pain management and her recommendation was hospice care.

Two weeks ago, I got a phone call from my sister who in between sobs told me that I needed to come home as quickly as possible. I was on a plane the next day.

On April 1, Fidel Martinez Sr. died at home, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 62.

I’ve spent the last few days — months, really — thinking about how I was going to eulogize my dad in this space, and the best I could come up with was to conscientiously avoid painting him as someone who worked hard at giving his children a better life. He certainly did that, but my dad was more than just his labor.

He was also a loving husband who adored his wife of 40 years; a good father to his three children; an amazing grandfather who doted on his four grandchildren; a dutiful son who visited his mother every Sunday.

I’ll miss his quick wit and sense of humor. He was a great trash talker and surprisingly great at nicknaming inanimate objects — in one of his last visits to L.A., he christened my old pickup truck “La Piñata” because of how beat up it was. Most of all, I’ll miss just being around him, being able to call him and talk about nothing in particular.

Thankfully, in the days since losing him, I’ve been able to find comfort in knowing that we had quality time together till the very end, and that he departed knowing that his family would be OK.

Above all, I’m forever grateful I got a chance to say goodbye to him.

— Fidel Martinez

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Fidel Martinez writes the Latinx Files, a weekly newsletter that focuses on the American Latinx experience. He started at The Times in 2018 as an audience engagement editor, focusing on sports. Previously he worked as politics editor for Mitu, as a social storytelling producer for Fusion Media Group and content curator and managing editor for Break Media. He is a proud Tejano who will fight anyone who disparages flour tortillas.

Cerys Davies is a spring reporting intern in the De Los section of the Los Angeles Times. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she focuses her writing on the Latinx experience within the context of the city. Often looking to art and music as tools and sources of inspiration, she finds her passion for the arts, writing and her community all come together within the context of journalism.

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Who Is ‘Invincible’s Oliver Grayson in the Comics?

The half-Viltrumite, half-Thraxan might be the most important character on ‘Invincible.’

Editor's Note: The below contains spoilers for 'Invincible' Season 2 as well as the 'Invincible' Comics.

The Big Picture

The second season of Invincible focuses more on the the Viltrumites and the introduction of Mark's half-brother, Oliver Grayson.
Nolan's complex past on planet Thraxa and his new family dynamic set the stage for Oliver's future impact on the series.
Oliver's idolization of Omni-Man and his conflicting beliefs with Mark will likely drive an intriguing storyline in future seasons.

The second season of Invincible was generous with its supply of Viltrumites. Up until then, the Viltrumites were mostly presented as an insurmountable, albeit vague, threat. Towards the halfway mark of Season 2, though, the Viltrumites became more concrete as the show excellently conveyed the true scale of their powers and their Saiyan-like personality. During the battle on planet Thraxa, we learned about their ruthless fighting philosophy — fight like you’re trying to kill your opponent. As the season progressed, we also got to learn more about their nature.

There was the decisive, authoritative figure of General Kregg ( Clancy Brown ) who ordered Mark ( Steven Yeun ) to conquer planet earth. There's the icy cold Anissa ( Shantel VanSanten ) who arrived at Earth to check in on Mark’s progress. And there was even a brief fanboy moment where the soldiers guarding Nolan on Viltrum tell him how they looked up to him as kids. But the most unique Viltrumite introduced this season was none other than Mark's half-brother, Oliver Grayson ( Lincoln Bodin ). While the show is yet to delve deeper into storylines dedicated to the purple Viltrumite, Oliver plays a significant role in the Invincible comics .

Invincible is an adult animated superhero series that revolves around 17-year-old Mark Grayson, who’s just like every other guy his age — except his father is the most powerful superhero on the planet, Omni-Man. But as Mark develops powers of his own, he discovers his father’s legacy may not be as heroic as it seems.

Nolan Fathered Another Son After Disappearing From Earth

The battle between Mark and Nolan ( J. K. Simmons ) at the end of Season 1 was a watershed event for all the characters of the show. It forced humankind to acknowledge their helplessness in the face of cosmic threats that are beyond their comprehension. It shattered the illusion of a happy family that Debbie ( Sandra Oh ) and Mark had been carrying for years. And even though Nolan was the reason behind all the destruction, the consequences of his actions eventually caught up with his conscience . After leaving Earth, Nolan drifts aimlessly through empty space , regretting the things he did. He was just about to surrender himself to a black hole when he saw a spaceship being sucked inside. Without thinking, he rescues the ship and its alien inhabitants hailing from the planet Thraxa.

Planet Thraxa boasts a populace of fragile insectoid creatures with a drastically shortened life span of about a year. So, when they met a thousand-year-old, super strong Viltrumite, they saw him as a god-like figure and chose him to be their leader . Nolan, by this point, had grown to be kinder and accepted to lead them. In the meantime, he also married one of the Thraxans, Andressa ( Rhea Seehorn ) and fathered a child with her. But Nolan’s newfound peace was disrupted when Viltrumites planned to invade Thraxa and punish Nolan for abandoning his post. So, with a little deception, he invites Mark to his new planet and asks for help. Mark reluctantly agrees, but the two ultimately lose the battle. Nolan is taken prisoner by the Viltrumites, but Mark is spared and given Nolan’s incomplete task of conquering Earth.

But before Mark can leave for earth, Andressa pleads with him to take his half-brother with him , since she will likely die before the infant can complete his first sentence. It's apparent that Mark feels a connection with Oliver and agrees to take him to earth. Back home, Debbie is initially taken aback by the news of Nolan’s other child, but she eventually accepts him as her own and names him Oliver. When Cecil learns of this, he tries to raise Oliver inside a government facility, but Debbie strongly opposes this and decides to raise him herself. She hires a nanny specialized in raising superpowered kids and after spending a few months with her, she comments that Oliver learns at an astonishing rate, which might be because of his part-Thraxan genes, causing him to age quicker .

Oliver Grayson Idolizes His Father Omni-Man in the 'Invincible' Comics

We don’t get to see much of Oliver in Season 2 since he's still an infant, but he will definitely have a big role to play in the upcoming seasons. And if the show follows closely with comics , as it has in the past, Oliver will be the most interesting character in the show with a complex relationship with his father. In the comics, Oliver’s combination of diverse DNA makeup gives him unique powers , one of which is his ability to remember everything. He even remembers the events that unfolded around him when he was just a baby. The version of Nolan that he grew up around was drastically different from the one witnessed by Mark. The Nolan that he knew was a savior of a planet, a loving husband, and a protective father.

Since Nolan wasn’t around when Oliver was growing up, he never saw the vindictive, wrathful nature of his father. The void left by Nolan essentially made him a silhouetted figure with mythic tales , making it easy for Oliver to idolize him. But Oliver keeps hearing of the horrific details pertaining to his father, especially through his older brother, Mark. And since this version of his father is so far removed from the one he knew and idolized, it creates a conflict within him. He takes it upon himself to restore his father’s name to its former glory and adopts the moniker of Kid Omni-Man when he debuts as a superhero . Oliver’s idolization of his father also has to do with the fact that, because of his utterly alien parentage, memories and appearance, Oliver always felt like an outsider on Earth, naturally considering his father as the only person who could truly understand him.

Two Familiar Faces Will Return for ‘Invincible’ Season 3

Mark and oliver have differing philosophies in the comics.

Oliver’s idolization of his father goes hand-in-hand with his subscription to a nihilistic philosophy. And this puts him at odds with his older brother, Mark, acting as a foil to Mark’s idealism and forgiving nature. Oliver begins as a strong side-kick to Mark, often helping him defeat powerful villains, but as he grows, he starts developing his own questionable ideas of justice. Unlike Mark, Oliver doesn’t believe that the villains should be rehabilitated. Instead, he argues that they should be killed lest they come back to cause further destruction. During his very first solo adventure, Oliver takes on the Mauler Twins . And since Oliver himself doesn’t realize the true scale of his strength, he ends up killing them both in a gruesome manner, even after they’ve surrendered. There’s a point in the comics when Mark asks Oliver if he agrees with their father’s philosophy, and Oliver reveals that sometimes he does.

Oliver doesn’t hold the same level of empathy towards humans as his older brother does. The two constantly argue over it, and Mark tries to teach Oliver that human lives are invaluable. But Oliver disagrees and reasons that human lives can’t be that significant since they give up so easily on their existence and constantly kill each other . There’s even a point when Oliver attempts to spread a virus that would kill all the Viltrumites, and possibly, even the humans. Circumstances don't allow him to go through with the plan, but this shows us the darker shade of Oliver. Still, despite his twisted notions, Oliver never truly crosses into the dark side. What grounds him is his immense love for his family, and as he grows older, he starts to see the beauty of human life in the same way that his father did decades ago.

In the final episode of Season 2 , after Angstrom takes Mark’s family hostage, he reveals that Oliver doesn’t exist in any other known dimension. This means that Oliver is an anomaly, a result of countless unlikely variables coming together , and will probably have far-reaching consequences for Invincible’s primary universe. We’re yet to see if Oliver’s story will play out the same way it did in the comic, but one thing's for certain: Oliver Grayson is a wildcard who promises to shake up the world of Invincible.

Invincible Season 2 is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video in the US.

Watch on Prime Video

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The father of Ron Goldman, who was murdered alongside his friend Nicole Brown 30 years ago, said the news of OJ Simpson ’s death was a further reminder of how long his son has been gone, and how much he is missed.