June 20, 2010 marks the 100th anniversary of Father’s Day. In justifying why our nation should set aside a day to celebrate fathers, President Calvin Coolidge wrote: “The widespread observance of this occasion (Father’s Day) is calculated to establish more intimate relations between fathers and their children and also to impress upon fathers the full measure of their obligations…”
The last two decades have produced significant research indicating that fathers play a very important role in the lives of their children. Studies clearly indicate that children who live absent their biological fathers are, on average, at least two to three times more likely to be poor, to use drugs, to experience educational, health, emotional and behavioral problems, to be victims of child abuse, and to engage in criminal behavior more than their peers who live with their married, biological (or adoptive) parents. Additional research indicates that 90 percent of homeless and runaway children and 71 percent of high school dropouts and 63 percent of young people who commit suicide are from fatherless homes.
According to 2009 U.S. Census data, more than 24 million children live apart from their biological fathers. That is one out of every three (33 percent) children in America. Nearly two in three (64 percent) African American children live in father-absent homes. One in three (34 percent) Hispanic children, and one in four (25 percent) white children live in father-absent homes.
In comparison, in 1960, only 11 percent of children lived in father-absent homes.
Consider the implications of this. More children are growing up in homes without their biological father. While the words may not be spoken, it is often insinuated that dads are expendable, not really necessary when it comes to raising children.
The truth is you can’t make a baby without a man being involved. How then would we as a society come to the conclusion that children don’t need their father in their lives? Why would dads think they can leave and their children will be just fine?
Psychologist Dr. Jill Murray recently stated that over time instead of fathers being seen as necessities in the lives of children, they are seen as accessories. Yet the research consistently shows that on average, children whose fathers are actively engaged in their lives do better in every facet of their lives.
- What would happen if each of us made an intentional effort to reinforce the importance of the father/child relationship?
- Would we see fewer children living in poverty? Would there be a decrease in out of wedlock pregnancies?
- Might we see fewer children involved in gangs, criminal behavior, risky sexual behavior or drugs and alcohol?
Considering all of the evidence, it seems possible and surely our children are worth the investment of time and energy.
Today, all of us have an opportunity to recognize what a gift the father-child relationship can be. If you are a father and have been meaning to spend more time with your children, don’t put it off until tomorrow. If you are in a position to become a father figure to a youngster, take the initiative. If you still have the opportunity to build a relationship with your dad, don’t take that for granted. We often don’t appreciate what we have until it’s gone.
