According to the 2007 UNICEF report on child well-being in advanced nations, kids in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. rank extremely low in social and emotional well-being. A largely ignored factor among child and family policymakers is the prevalence and devastating effects of father’s absence in children’s lives.
Households Without Dads
- 63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes (Source: U.S. D.H.H.S., Bureau of the Census)
- 90% of all homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes
- 85% of all children that exhibit behavioral disorders come from fatherless homes (Source: Center for Disease Control)
- 80% of rapists motivated with displaced anger come from fatherless homes (Source: Criminal Justice & Behavior, Vol 14, p. 403-26, 1978.)
- 71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes (Source: National Principals Association Report on the State of High Schools.)
- 75% of all adolescent patients in chemical abuse centers come from fatherless homes (Source: Rainbows for all God`s Children.)
- 70% of juveniles in state-operated institutions come from fatherless homes (Source: U.S. Dept. of Justice, Special Report, Sept 1988)
- 85% of all youths sitting in prisons grew up in a fatherless home (Source: Fulton Co. Georgia jail populations, Texas Dept. of Corrections 1992
AT RISK
Studies show that children without fathers at home suffer greatly. Even before birth, a father’s attitudes regarding the pregnancy, prenatal behaviors, and the father-mother relationship may indirectly influence risk for adverse birth outcomes. School-aged children with good relationships with their fathers are less likely to experience depression, disruptive behavior, or lying and more likely to exhibit prosocial behavior.
Fatherless homes significantly impact adolescents. These children are more likely to experience the effects of poverty. Former President George W. Bush stated, “Over the past four decades, fatherlessness has emerged as one of our greatest social problems. We know that children who grow up with absent fathers can suffer lasting damage. They are more likely to end up in poverty or drop out of school, become addicted to drugs, have a child out of wedlock, or end up in prison. Fatherlessness is not the only cause of these things, but our nation must recognize it is an important factor.”
Tips for Dads
Dads! It’s vital to be actively involved in your child’s life – whether you live together or not. Here are great ways to create healthy, positive engagement with your children (adapted from the Modern Dad Dilemma):
- Speak Positively to and About Their Mother: It is essential to be on the same page as their mother about your role. Be clear and respectful, emphasizing your desire to be an involved father. Speak positively about her in front of your children to show respect and maintain a healthy relationship.
- Create a Vision for Fatherhood Engagement: Think about what you hope your children will say about you as a father in the future. This will help you clarify your purpose and guide your decisions.
- Be the Bridge Between Your Father and Your Children: Reflect on your relationship with your father and decide what positive aspects to pass on to your children and what negative aspects to avoid.
- Establish Ritual Dad Time: Spend regular one-on-one time with your children doing activities you both enjoy. Make sure to talk and build a strong connection.
- Know Your Children: Be interested in their lives, know their friends, and understand their stressors. Show they’re worthy of your time and attention.
- Be Known by Your Children: Share stories about your childhood and experiences to humanize yourself and initiate meaningful dialogue.
All For Kids hopes you recognize your tremendous value as Fathers. You can make a lasting difference in your children’s lives, and we appreciate you more than you know!
Source Site - ALLforKids.org
