Father

A biological father is the male genetic contributor to the creation of the infant, through sexual intercourse or sperm donation.

[1] Related terms of endearment are dad (dada, daddy), baba, papa, pappa, papasita, (pa, pap) and pop.

[4] Parental leave is when a father takes time off to support his newly born or adopted baby.

[6] In the case of male same-sex couples the law often makes no provision for either one or both fathers to take paternity leave.

An estimated 2% of British fathers experiences paternity fraud during a non-paternity event, bringing up a child they wrongly believe to be their biological offspring.

Active father figures may play a role in reducing behavior and psychological problems in young adults.

[16] Roman law defined fatherhood as "Mater semper certa; pater est quem nuptiae demonstrant" ("The [identity of the] mother is always certain; the father is whom the marriage vows indicate").

[17] In medieval and most of modern European history, caring for children was predominantly the domain of mothers, whereas fathers in many societies provide for the family as a whole.

Since the 1950s, social scientists and feminists have increasingly challenged gender roles in Western countries, including that of the male breadwinner.

[18] Research from various societies suggest that since the middle of the 20th century fathers have become increasingly involved in the care of their children.