When children have close relationships with father figures, they tend to avoid high-risk behaviors. They’re more likely to have high-paying jobs and healthy, stable relationships when they grow up. They also tend to have higher IQ test scores by the age of 3 and endure fewer psychological problems throughout their lives when the dad or father figure takes his role seriously. Cumulatively, these benefits of having an engaged dad are called the “father effect” so, if you’ve ever doubted the outsized role you play in your child’s life, the data doesn’t lie. And it’s worth remembering.