Children need their parents. We all know that. But a new study suggests that the active presence of a father in the life of his infant son or daughter is instrumental to the child’s future well-being.

Researchers at Oxford University studied about 200 families. The study, just published in The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, reveals a link between dads, their months-old children and behavior.

Children are generally less likely to cry, be demanding or difficult, and more likely to engage positively with others when fathers interact with 3 month olds. The results are even more apparent when dads and sons bond early in children’s lives.

Author of the study Dr. Paul Ramchandani says, "Focusing on the infant's first few months is important as this is a crucial period for development and the infant is very susceptible to environmental influences, such as the quality of parental care and interaction.”

Study results include previous research which established a mother’s influence early in a child’s upbringing. This study advances the parental role theory by focusing on fathers.

So dads, loving your children and putting a roof over their heads may not be enough. The best, most influential fathers are spending quality time with their little ones right from the start. It may be a key to success for boys and girls later in life.