Children With Overprotective Fathers, Little Autonomy Have Increased Risk of Dying Before 80 [Study]

The type of parenting influences a child's lifespan, according to a study. Overprotective dads reportedly contribute to shorter lives.

Overprotective Dads Tend to Have Children With Shorter Lifespans

A new study analyzed the data from nearly 1,000 individuals - 496 men and 445 women - who were born in the 1950s and '60s and died between 2007 and 2018.

Researchers at the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar) in Brazil and University College London (UCL) in the U.K. analyzed the participants' responses to questions about their family structure, housing, diseases and relationship with parents during their childhood to adolescent years.

The researchers noticed that those with overprotective fathers with little autonomy during childhood had an increased risk of dying before they turned 80 years old. The risk is 12% for men and 22% for women.

However, women who were well cared for by their moms when they were kids had reduced risk by 14%. The researchers believed that it had something to do with the stress levels in their youth, which they likely carried to adulthood.

The results also show that men living with only one parent during childhood have a much higher risk, about 179%, of dying before celebrating their 80th birthday.

The study surprisingly shows that "only maternal care mattered," and paternal relationships were not crucial, according to the study.

The study was the first to investigate how a parent's absence or bad relationships can negatively affect a child's longevity.

The study is published in the journal Scientific Reports.

ALSO READ: Digital Media Use May Be Linked to Negative Parenting Practices, Study Says

Positive Relationships For Parents and Children

According to Raising Children, positive relationships between parents and children are crucial for all areas of children's development. This can be based on being in the moment, spending quality time with them and building trust.

Parents should know that their relationship with their children changes and develops as they grow and mature.

Raising Children shared tips promoting positive parent-child relationships, including the following.

Acceptance. Parents should accept their kids and let them explore things on their own. You do not need to give them directions all the time.

Comment without judgment. Kids love to learn new things and parents should observe what they do and encourage them to learn. You can comment to teach them, but make sure there is no judgment.

Listen to your children. Children love to tell stories and it's a great opportunity for parents to connect with them by listening to them. Tune in to their real feelings and understand what they are saying because they may be telling you their favorite program, playmate or teacher.

Give your child a chance to lead. Observe what your child does and respond to what they say or do, this is great for younger kids who want to play with you. If you have an older child who wants to plan a family meal or event, support their ideas. Also, if they have an opinion, let them speak and share it even if it doesn't align with y yours.