Youngsters whose dads spend a lot of time with them grow up brighter and more upwardly mobile, according to a new report.
And the benefits continue right up until those children are in their forties.
Researchers from the University of Newcastle analysed data collected over 50 years and followed the progress of 17,000 children from their birth in March 1958 up until the present day.
In 1965, families were asked how much time each parent spent reading to the youngsters, and the children underwent an IQ test.
In 1969, mums were asked about fathers' involvement. More data was recorded as the children grew up, and final interviews were done with the children when they reached the age of 46.
Results published in the journal Evolution and Human Behaviour showed those youngsters whose fathers had spent considerable time with them grew up to be more intelligent and have better jobs.
Those children whose dads left most of the upbringing to their partners were found to fare no better than those brought up by single mothers.
Daniel Nettle, the author of the report, said: 'What was surprising about this research was the real sizeable difference in the progress of children who benefitted from paternal interest and how, 30 years later, people whose dads were involved were more upwardly mobile.
'The data suggest that having a second adult involved during childhood produces benefits in terms of skills that endure throughout adult life.'
The research suggested men tended to pay more attention to their sons than daughters, but both sexes benefitted equally when dads did lots of activities with them.
1st October 2008