I think both parents play an important role in setting an example and being a role model. It is irrelevant who the child is more emotionally attached to ( mostly the mother). In simple terms, the child learns through observing the behaviour of his parents ( or others in the house) and then copies it. This social modelling plays such a vital part in the child's upbringing that people should realize that it is NOT what you say to your child that counts but what you DO infront of that child that sets the example. So both the parents are setting an example!
I want to be an example for my kids but I'll be bad example :)
There's usually one parent who you spend the most time with, who keeps an eye on you, and nags you to make sure that you're doing what you need to do. The one whose example you follow on a daily basis. That's one kind of influence.
But the other parent is often the one who you don't want to disappoint. The one whose change in tone can scare the crap out of you or fill you with pride. The one whose overall approach you want to emulate as well. That's another kind of influence.
