An interesting article on a study into children and male role models. The study finds that delinquency in boys is less when they have a male role model, but that the presence of a male role model for girls makes little difference. http://psychcentral.com/news/2011/11/26/a-fathers-mere-presence-lowers-risky-behavior-in-teen-boys/31915.html

It doesn't appear to matter whether the male role model is a father, or whether they actually live in the family home.

How does this fit with other's experience. It intuitively makes sense to me, which is why I've gone to extreme lengths to be involved in all of my kids lives even though none of them lives with me.

Dear Graham,

I'm not sure that I agree with the statement that
boys need a father, but girls not so much. I think
that both boys and girls need parents who love
and care for them and are involved in their lives.
I Congratulate you for having the wisdom to be
involved in your children's lives. From my own
experience - I am grateful that our children
flourished under our nurturing. My husband's
honesty, devotion, and unconditional love bound all
of us together in an inseparable state of familial
bliss that has been unshaken to this day. We've had
our ups and downs like any family but we've stuck
to the promise we made - to be there fully for each
other for (as long as we are there).

Its probably got some merit, although, positive role models from both sexes for male and female children can only be a good thing. There is a PLETHORA of nuances in a family dynamics which can end in positive outcomes for kids. I don't think there is a 'rule' for what is best as many single parents of either sex can raise a well rounded and grounded kid.

I think I probably tend to agree, although both my kids are really no trouble at all, despite their mother's best efforts to pretend otherwise.

That may be cultural conditioning, of course.

I have found my daughter is the one that always favored me even now that she is 32 years of age. My son was always more independent as a teenager, and now even more so, he has had the same job since leaving school, and now looking at long service.

I agree Graham.
I have seen boys with no man in their life struggle.
Girls do love their dads but its mum who has the biggest influence.