Fathers and Children's Executive Function

There is robust evidence that multiple dimensions of parenting are linked to early childhood executive function (EF). However, father figures have rarely been included in this research, so their role in the process of supporting child EF is just beginning to be understood. This chapter examines the theoretical rationale for parenting effects on EF and identifies hypotheses specific to the importance of fathers. Empirical evidence for both mother-child and father-child links is reviewed, including research with children and families experiencing high stress. Implications for including father figures in parenting interventions focused on boosting children's EF skills are discussed.