Which statemens best describes the effect fathers have on the development of their children

A)  The presence of the father is essential to the normal development of a child. 
B)  The absence of the father has no effect on the normal development of a child. 
C)  The absence of the father contributes to the normal development of a child. 
D)  The presence of the father contributes to the normal development of a child.

Research shows that the presence of a father figure contributes to the normal development of a child. A father's involvement has been linked to better social, emotional, and cognitive outcomes for children, including improved academic performance, higher self-esteem, and fewer behavioral problems. While a child can still develop normally in the absence of a father, the presence of a positive male role model can provide unique benefits to their development.