Dads, you are needed each and every day, but today, you are celebrated. I want to wish a very happy Father’s Day to all of the wonderful fathers out there. The work you are doing in your child’s life cannot be underestimated. In fact, the research proves it.

Children with stable, involved fathers have much higher levels of self-control, confidence, and sociability. They are less likely to engage in risky behavior as adolescents, and they are far less likely to have behavioral or psychological problems1.

Dads, you are important, valued and loved. Even when you don’t feel like it, you are making a huge impact on your child. I know this not only from the research but also from being a pediatrician for over thirty years. Again and again, I have heard children talk about their dads in my office like they are their everything. Trust me, they worship the ground you walk on.

This is why today I want to honor you by letting you in on some of those conversations I’ve had with your kids. Because you deserve to know what your child really thinks about you.

You are the center of their world.

I remember holding my father’s…