Male Caregivers: Anchors in Middle School Years

Written by: Misty Krippel, Ed.M., Michaelene Ostrosky, Ph.D., & Robyn DiPietro, Ed.M.

Research across several decades highlights that male caregivers play an important role in children’s development and that their involvement continues to matter as children enter adolescence. Historically, caregiving research has focused primarily on female caregivers; however, scholars increasingly emphasize that male caregivers make unique contributions to children’s learning, emotional development, and behavioral outcomes (Cabrera et al., 2018; Lamb, 2010). These contributions are reflected in areas such as school engagement, emotional well-being, and relationship-building skills.

A growing body of research demonstrates that the benefits of male caregiver involvement extend well beyond childhood. For example, Choi et al. (2021) found that early involvement by male caregivers may influence long-term physiological stress regulation in adulthood, suggesting that supportive male caregiver–child relationships can have lasting developmental impacts. Similarly, Sarkadi et al. (2008) reported that children with actively involved male caregivers tend to experience fewer behavioral problems and have stronger social competence skills. Together, these findings highlight the importance of recognizing male caregivers as essential contributors to children’s development throughout the middle school years.

Male Caregiver Involvement and Academic Achievement

One of the most consistent research findings is the relationship between male caregiver involvement and children’s academic success. A meta-analysis conducted by Jeynes (2015) found that students with involved male caregivers tend to perform better academically and demonstrate stronger motivation in school. Male caregiver engagement in a child’s education, such as discussing school experiences, encouraging persistence, and supporting learning activities, can help adolescents develop confidence and positive attitudes toward learning.

Parental involvement also supports academic success through emotional and motivational pathways. Topor et al. (2010) found that when caregivers remain involved in their children’s education, students often demonstrate greater school engagement, improved emotional support, and stronger academic outcomes. During the middle school years, when academic expectations increase, male caregiver involvement can provide consistent encouragement and guidance that helps adolescents stay connected to their learning.

Male Caregiver–Child Relationships and Emotional Development

In addition to academic outcomes, the quality of male caregiver–child relationships plays a critical role in adolescents’ emotional development. Male caregivers often provide support through mentoring, shared activities, and conversations that help children develop coping skills and emotional resilience. These supportive relationships can help adolescents navigate challenges associated with early adolescence, including peer pressure, identity development, and increasing independence.

Research also suggests that strong male caregiver–child relationships may influence family dynamics across generations. Jessee and Adamsons (2018) found that positive male caregiver involvement often contributes to stronger relationship quality and may shape caregiving behaviors in future generations. These findings suggest that supportive male caregiver–child relationships not only benefit children during adolescence but may also influence family functioning over time.

Patterns of Male Caregiver Involvement Across Families

Although male caregiver involvement can take many forms, research suggests that patterns of involvement differ across families depending on cultural values, family structure, work schedules, and socioeconomic factors. Foundational work by Lamb (2010) emphasizes that father involvement includes multiple dimensions, such as engagement, accessibility, and responsibility, which may be expressed differently across households. Similarly, Cabrera et al. (2018) argue that fathers’ roles vary across cultural and contextual settings rather than following a single model. For example, in some families, male caregivers may emphasize direct academic support and structured activities, while in others, involvement may center on shared responsibilities, storytelling, or community-based traditions.

Building on these cultural and contextual differences, research examining families from diverse and low-income backgrounds indicates that patterns of male caregiver involvement are often shaped by structural factors such as employment demands and access to resources, while still providing meaningful opportunities for connection (Yoon et al., 2021). These routine interactions create opportunities for mentorship and connection, and even when involvement differs in form, consistent interaction remains key to positive outcomes. These variations highlight that involvement is not one size fits all; rather, the quality and consistency of involvement, shaped by cultural and contextual factors, are what matter most.

Listening to Children’s Perspectives Matters

An important lesson from the research is that adolescents’ perspectives play a key role in shaping caregiver involvement. As children enter the middle school years, they seek greater independence and develop their own views on relationships, school, and personal experiences (Steinberg, 2014). Because of this, male caregiver involvement is most effective when adults actively listen to and value adolescents’ voices.

Adolescents may not always directly express their needs; however, their perspectives provide important insights into how caregivers can best support them. When male caregivers take time to listen, through conversations, shared activities, or regular check-ins, they help build trust and strengthen communication. Through this type of engagement, adolescents feel respected and understood, which supports both relationship quality and emotional development (Jessee & Adamsons, 2018).

Importantly, adolescents may define support differently than adults expect. By asking open-ended questions and encouraging adolescents to share their thoughts, male caregivers can better align their involvement with a child’s needs. Listening to adolescents’ perspectives during these interactions helps ensure that caregiver involvement remains supportive, responsive, and appropriately aligned with their changing developmental needs and roles within the family.

Practical Recommendations for Professionals

Professionals working with families of middle schoolers can play an important role in supporting and encouraging male caregiver involvement. Schools, youth programs, and community organizations can intentionally create opportunities that welcome male caregivers as active partners in adolescents’ development and learning.

Intentionally Invite Male Caregivers into School and Program Engagement Opportunities
Many male caregivers report that they are less likely to participate in school activities if they are not explicitly invited (Cabrera et al., 2018; Lamb, 2010). Thus, professionals can increase male caregiver participation by ensuring communication is directed to both parents/caregivers.