paternal influence

Father's shaping role

Paternal influence is the effect a father has on his children's development, values, and behavior.

The phrase appears in psychology, sociology, and everyday discussion of family dynamics: Studies show paternal influence on career choices, His paternal influence shaped her work ethic.

The term can extend to father figures or mentors who play a fatherly role.

fatherly loveA dad's caring devotion
disciplineTrained self-control or specialty
tough loveBeneficial strictness from affection
encouragementSupport spurring continued effort
authorityPower to enforce obedience

rule · old man · generational wisdom · mentorship · moral values · life lessons · identity formation · role modeling · like father like son · inheritance · family dynamics · traditions · family name · attachment · rites of passage · leadership · storytelling · heart to heart

Opposites

parental gender

paternal influencematernal influence

Mother's effect on development

mothering · maternal care · maternalism

source of influence

paternal influencepeer influence

Effect of equals' opinions

self-determination · media influence · cultural influence · autonomy

presence vs. absence

paternal influencefatherlessness

Lacking a male parent

absent father · deadbeat dad

Family

influence, influential, paternal, paternalism, paternalistic, pater

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G