POV: You gave birth to the female version of your husband. That’s the caption on Instagram user Jade Younger Skluzacek’s mega-viral video, with over 35 million views, where her husband and their daughter share a playful, hairbrush-microphone duet to “Despacito.” Dad belts the lyrics and dances with unabashed flair—only for his mini-me daughter to copy every move. From identical hair flips to matching swagger, it’s a moment viewers can’t get enough of.
But beyond the entertainment value, there’s actual science showing how a strong father-child bond benefits kids—especially when they share a resemblance or see traits of themselves in their dad.
1. Physical resemblance can boost paternal investment
Ever notice that friends and relatives often say a baby looks just like Dad? It’s not just small talk. A classic study in Nature found that people tend to see more likeness to the father in a child than to the mother. From an evolutionary perspective, that perception can encourage dads to spend more time and resources on their kids.
2. A father’s presence improves child well-being
A loving, hands-on dad does more than just make memories—he can bolster his child’s emotional security, social skills, and academic success. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) points out that children with involved fathers are more likely to:
- Perform better academically
- Show healthier social behaviors
- Develop stronger self-esteem
The CDC emphasizes that active fatherhood has benefits stretching from infancy into adolescence and beyond.
Related: Dad teaching his child the Haka goes viral—and it’s a beautiful reminder of cultural connection
3. Early father involvement boosts development
Research by the University of Leeds shows that children whose fathers engage meaningfully from an early age often do better in school. Meanwhile, the Journal of Marriage and Family finds that adolescents with involved dads tend to exhibit fewer behavioral problems and a lower risk of delinquency.
Want an everyday overview? The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Fatherhood Initiative provides parent-friendly guides showing how dads can support children’s education, emotional regulation, and mental health.
Related: This 3-year-old’s voice note left her dad in tears on his wedding day
4. Shared traits promote stronger identity and confidence
Seeing themselves in Dad—whether it’s the same eyes, similar quirks, or matching hair—can strengthen a child’s sense of identity.
A study titled The Effect of Perceived Parent–Child Facial Resemblance on Paternal Anxiety and the Moderating Role of Paternal Self-Esteem found that dads who see a strong resemblance to their kids tend to feel more confident and less anxious. On the flip side, lower resemblance can lead to stress. While the study focuses on anxiety, it highlights how perceived similarities can boost a dad’s emotional connection.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) backs this up, noting that kids with engaged fathers often show greater independence and self-reliance as they grow.
Dancing, doubling down on dad magic
Watching Jade Younger Skluzacek’s viral father-daughter dance party, you see more than a fun moment. You see the “dad effect” in action: high-energy bonding that ignites confidence, creativity, and that unmistakable beam of belonging.
Whether it’s singing into a hairbrush or tackling homework side by side, the moments dads spend actively engaging their children have a profound ripple effect. And if there’s a dash of “twinning” in the mix—be it identical hair, matching dance moves, or personality quirks—all the better. It’s a science-backed recipe for stronger bonds, brighter smiles, and a future shaped by love, one epic jam session at a time!
Sources:
- Long-term Follow-up and Outcome of Phenylketonuria Patients on Sapropterin. American Academy of Pediatrics. Long-term Follow-up and Outcome of Phenylketonuria Patients on Sapropterin: A Retrospective Study.
- National Library of Medicine. The Effect of Perceived Parent–Child Facial Resemblance on Parents’ Trait Anxiety: The Moderating Effect of Parents’ Gender.
- National Library of Medicine. Father Involvement and Behavior Problems among Preadolescents at Risk of Maltreatment.
- Science Daily. Young children do better at school if their dads read and play with them.
- The Centers for Disease Control. Fathers’ Involvement With Their Children: United States, 2006–2010.
- Nature. Whose baby are you?
