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I’ve always been keen on dads, even when there were no stats around to prove just how crucial they are to the healthy all-round development of a child. And this is particularly true with boys.

I have even gone as far as criticising absent or negligent dads for ignoring the needs of their children.

But now it would seem that it’s not errant dads who are the critical factor, it’s mums who don’t want dads around.

There is a new generation of women who choose to be a single mum and exclude dad from bringing up their child.

New research shows that a growing number of mums simply don’t want dad around and make the decision to go it alone almost as soon as they discover they’re pregnant.

To have a child without a father around has even become fashionable among the professional middle class. They can afford to rely on nannies for childcare.

But they should be aware that they do so at the expense of their children’s welfare.

There are very few positive effects on the child from a father’s absence, they’re only harmful. The truth of the matter is that the presence of a dad, particularly one who plays with his kids, reads stories, sings songs, kicks a ball about and takes a real interest in his child, will make a huge contribution to the intellectual, social and moral development of his youngster.

Research has shown that the stronger the bond between a child and his father, the better the child will do.

This is particularly true if the father feels involved and proud and makes a point of giving quality one on one time.

A child who has a good relationship with his dad will make new relationships easily, learning social and emotional skills early on, in particular with his peers.

It goes even further than that. Such a child will behave better at school and perform better academically. They will truant less.

They may even attain a higher IQ and have greater literacy in terms of reading, writing and speaking – essential skills for adult life.

On the other hand, the absence of a father is linked to aggressive traits, anti-social behaviour and low ­­self-esteem, all of which contribute to the poor career histories of fatherless kids. Make no mistake, children need a dad in their lives.