5 Ways Dads Impact Teen Self Esteem | Penn State Study | Orlando Counselor Jim West

By Published On: February 5th, 20243.5 min read

“I don’t understand why my daughter is so sad lately?

“Why is my son spending time with bad influences?”

“Why does my daughter go out with abusive guys?”

“Why does my son have such low self esteem?”

If you hear yourself or other parents asking these questions it might be the “dad effect!”

Article Author & Adolescent Expert Jim West interviewed by Fox 35 on the Dad Effect

Orlando Counselor Jim West highlights the pivotal role fathers play in their teenagers’ self-esteem, drawing attention to the profound “dad effect.”

Jim West, Orlando Teen Counselor area renowned expert in teen counseling interviewed above by Fox 35 News.

Jim West emphasizes the findings of a Penn State study that underscores the importance of positive father involvement. This involvement, characterized by quality time and emotional support, is closely linked to higher self-esteem levels in adolescents.

During an interview with Fox 35, West elaborated on the benefits of fathers spending quality time with their children, as identified in the Penn State study:

  1. Social Skill Development in Boys: Boys who observe their fathers’ interactions in social settings are more likely to develop effective communication skills and confidence. Active father involvement also mitigates risks related to addiction and legal troubles.
  2. Setting High Standards for Daughters: Daughters often look up to their fathers as a benchmark for desirable traits in potential partners. Fathers wholake mary family marriage counseling teen therapy child therapist florida engage in thoughtful activities, like planned date nights, not only strengthen their bond with their daughters but also set high relationship standards, making it harder for less respectful suitors to gain favor.
  3. Reduced Delinquency and Peer Pressure: Teens spending ample time with their fathers are less likely to engage in delinquent behaviors or succumb to peer pressure. Activities such as attending sports events, enjoying movies, or participating in outdoor activities like camping contribute to this positive outcome.
  4. Educational Aspirations: There’s a direct correlation between the amount of time fathers spend with their sons and the sons’ educational achievements, including college completion.
  5. Preventing Delinquency: A lack of quality father-son time is associated with an increased risk of delinquent behaviors.
  6. The Importance of Family Dinners: Regular family meals provide an opportunity for open communication and help parents stay connected with their teenagers’ lives.

Dads and daughters

For daughters, the mere presence and engagement of a father can be incredibly affirming. Fathers are encouraged to spend meaningful time with their daughters, expressing pride in their achievements and reaffirming their love and respect. This foundation of respect is crucial for daughters in forming healthy expectations for how they should be treated in relationships.

What are some small Adjustments Mom’s can make?

West also advises mothers to enhance their impact by joining in these activities, promoting a more cohesive family dynamic. Flexibility in family routines and occasional relaxation of rules can further enrich the family experience.

James L. West, MA, LMHC, NCC, is a respected figure in the field of mental health counseling, specializing in adolescent and family dynamics. For families seeking guidance on enhancing teen self-esteem or navigating other adolescent challenges, West and the team of counselors at Total Life Counseling Center offer expert support. With locations in Orlando, Winter Park, Lake Mary, Clermont, and East Orlando, Florida, the center is well-equipped to assist families in fostering healthier relationships. Additionally, Total Life Counseling Center provides EMDR therapy for anxiety and trauma and offers alternative ADHD treatments. For professional assistance, contact the center at 407-248-0030.

Call our In person and Virtual Counselors in Orlando for help now at 407-248-0030! We also have counselors located near Altamonte in Winter Park, East Orlando, Waterford Lakes at Avalon park, Lake Mary, Clermont, and Dr Philips Windermere. We also help with EMDR therapy for anxiety and trauma and treat ADHD often without medication and the News Media called us 200+ times for our mental health advice.

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Author: James L West, MA, LMHC, NCC, Orlando Communicator, Author, Coach and Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Call now for help with your teen 407-248-0030

author avatar
Jim West
Adolescent Expert, Jim West offers expert advice to Local and National TV News & Schools Internationally and provides phone or face-to-face counseling in the Orlando area. Jim is an Author, Communicator, School Consultant, Nationally Certified and State Licensed Counselor and specializes in counseling for Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADD/ADHD) and Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD). Jim has been interviewed for multiple TV, Radio, magazine and newspaper articles. He is president of Total Life Counseling Center and his Total Life approach accelerates the therapeutic & healing process by relating to children, adolescents and adults and incorporating wellness. Jim’s clients travel from all over Florida, England, Georgia, Cayman Islands and the Bahamas as he has been able to treat clients with ADHD, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Depression and more with FDA approved supplements and Dietary Modifications. 85% of his clients have not needed medication or used less medication than when they first came to Total Life Counseling Center.

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Total Life Counseling Center consists of Licensed Counselors, masters level therapists, Español counselors, Licensed Mental Health Counselors, business coaches, and image enhancement coaches who provide counseling for emotional, mental, physical and spiritual care including marriage, individual, family, substance abuse and more. TLC’s family, trauma and marriage experts have been interviewed on National and Local TV/Radio over 200 times for their expert advice on Fox News, OWN, WETV, ABC’s Medical Minute and more. Our skilled counselors are relational, approachable and specialists providing therapy services in the Central Florida area including: OrlandoWinter ParkMetroWest, Windermere, Dr. Phillips, East OrlandoLake Mary, and Clermont, Boca Raton Florida, and Dallas, TX.

About the Author: Jim West

Adolescent Expert, Jim West offers expert advice to Local and National TV News & Schools Internationally and provides phone or face-to-face counseling in the Orlando area. Jim is an Author, Communicator, School Consultant, Nationally Certified and State Licensed Counselor and specializes in counseling for Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADD/ADHD) and Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD). Jim has been interviewed for multiple TV, Radio, magazine and newspaper articles. He is president of Total Life Counseling Center and his Total Life approach accelerates the therapeutic & healing process by relating to children, adolescents and adults and incorporating wellness. Jim’s clients travel from all over Florida, England, Georgia, Cayman Islands and the Bahamas as he has been able to treat clients with ADHD, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Depression and more with FDA approved supplements and Dietary Modifications. 85% of his clients have not needed medication or used less medication than when they first came to Total Life Counseling Center.

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author avatar
Jim West
Adolescent Expert, Jim West offers expert advice to Local and National TV News & Schools Internationally and provides phone or face-to-face counseling in the Orlando area. Jim is an Author, Communicator, School Consultant, Nationally Certified and State Licensed Counselor and specializes in counseling for Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADD/ADHD) and Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD). Jim has been interviewed for multiple TV, Radio, magazine and newspaper articles. He is president of Total Life Counseling Center and his Total Life approach accelerates the therapeutic & healing process by relating to children, adolescents and adults and incorporating wellness. Jim’s clients travel from all over Florida, England, Georgia, Cayman Islands and the Bahamas as he has been able to treat clients with ADHD, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Depression and more with FDA approved supplements and Dietary Modifications. 85% of his clients have not needed medication or used less medication than when they first came to Total Life Counseling Center.