Fathers’ role in infant development ‘crucial’

CHILDREN are more likely to have development problems if their fathers do not spend enough time with them when they are young, new research claims.

Yesterday’s report from Britain’s Equal Opportunities Commission found emotional and behavioural problems were more common by the age of three if fathers did not take time off work after the child’s birth, or did not use flexible working to be more involved in the youngster’s upbringing.

However it pointed to an economic divide, with poorer fathers less likely to take time off work.