AO1 – The father IS as important, as SECONDARY​

• ·       Fathers have an important role – that of “playmate”. Research found that a fathers’ play interactions were more exciting in comparison to a mothers’. Fathers excite children encouraging them to take risks whilst still keeping them safe. This provides children with a secure environment in which to learn.​
• ·       Fathers play important role as secondary attachment figures. Research has consistently shown that fathers are more playful, physically active and generally better at providing challenging situations for their children. Fathers are ‘exciting playmates’ whereas mothers are more conventional (Geiger, 1996). ​
• ·       It may be a lack of sensitivity from father can be seen as a positive, as it fosters problem-solving by making greater communicative and cognitive demands on children (White & Wollett, 1999)
• ·       Most important via financial support Bowlby