Father absence is at epidemic status in the United States today. Yet, science has been unable to produce a single child without one. In fact, 100% of children have a father. Some are deceased, incarcerated, pushed away or errantly absent, but everyone has a father… it’s the only way children are made.

For decades, research focused on why mothers are central to children. It is a no-brainer that moms play a critical role in parenting and child development. Sometimes single moms tell us that they are “the mother and the father.” They may be doing double duty, but mom cannot replace dad. In the past few decades research has revealed that “father need” is as central to children as “mother need.”

Child outcomes are significantly different when Dad is in the home and engaged with their child. While many people who have grown up without a father have beat the statistical odds and are great people, children who have an actively involved father in their lives are:

• Less likely to become obese
• Less likely to live in poverty
• More likely to achieve academic potential
• Less likely to have behavioral problems in school
• Less likely to be involved in the juvenile justice system
• Less likely to be a teen parent
• More likely to graduate from high school and attend college
• Less likely to engage in violence
• Less likely to be incarcerated as an adult
• More likely to be a better man himself

Dads make a difference by working on their marriage and moving toward their spouse. The greatest gift a father can give their children is to love their mother.   Dads make a difference when they engage in play, discipline, faith development, and encouragement. Dads make a difference when they are involved in their child’s educational and social worlds.

Roy has written a curriculum for expectant and new fathers titled “Full Throttle Into Fatherhood” which has been presented in Carenet Pregnancy Centers and Juvenile Justice Facilities. You can learn more about this effective curriculum in the store.

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This article was written by Roy and Devra Wooten, authors of “The Secret to a Lifetime Love”. Learn more at www.LifeTogetherForever.com © Roy and Devra Wooten 2017. All Rights Reserved. You may replicate this article as long as it is provided free to recipients and includes appropriate attribution. Written permission for other use may be obtained at [email protected].