A father's interest can influence a daughter's activities

Fathers may influence their daughters more than they realize.

Girls with dads who take an interest in their activities, whether those activities are sports-related or not, are more likely to stick with the activity, according to a study in Child Development .

Earlier research already had linked continued involvement in extracurricular activities, such as sports or music, to increased psychological well-being during adolescence -- often a difficult period in a girl's development.

"Mothers are there in childhood and get things started for their daughters, but to keep them involved in so-called masculine activities, like sports, takes a father's interest," study author Susan McHale, a professor of human development at Penn State University, told HealthDay .

It may be harder for a father to relate to his daughter when she's going through puberty, but experts say it's crucial for him to try.

"There are fathers who are able to express their interest in their daughters' different types of activities, and daughters will pick up on this," McHale said.

Dr. John O'Brien, a psychiatrist at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York City , said that "this transcends gender and has to do with a mutual respect and admiration between the parent and child."

O'Brien told HealthDay , "It is a recognition of competence by the parent for the child and the process of enjoying an experience together."

For the study, McHale and her colleagues talked to almost 300 girls between the ages of 8 and 15. They wanted to learn what factors influence a girl's decision on how she spends her free time.

The researchers conducted three at-home interviews with the girls and their families and made follow-up phone calls every night for a week after each interview to verify how the girls were spending their free time.

What appeared to influence their choice of activity most was their personality and their parents' interest in the activity. Peer influence, parents' views of gender roles and testosterone levels did not have a significant impact, the researchers found.

"Our findings suggest that parents, particularly fathers in middle adolescence, influence their daughters," McHale said.

After-school activities aren't the only place fathers can make a difference either. According to information on the Child Trends Web site, when fathers take an active interest in their child's school, children are more likely to enjoy school and they're less likely to have to repeat a grade or be expelled.