What does it mean
to be a father? Is the role of fathers as
important and valued in today’s society as it was in the past? In pondering these questions, I find it
helpful to reflect on my life experience.
I have had an active father growing up and how he has fulfilled his role
in my home has affected me personally. Beyond considering my own experience with my
own father in my home, I have wondered about how others in society think and
feel about the role of fathers.
According to the
U.S. Census Bureau, in the United States 24 million children (1 out of 3) live
in biological father-absent homes. Further
Census Bureau statistics have shown that 90% of children without a father end
up homeless or wind up running away from home.
Fully 71% of
children in fatherless homes end up dropping out of high school (National Principals Association Report).
Its clear that fathers do have a place in
the home where they can positively influence and help rear their children. I know that my own father has taught me what a
responsible, loving, and respectable man should look and act like. By having a father figure, it allows for young
children to watch and learn from them and to know what is acceptable and what
isn’t. Young girls will know what traits
to look for in a spouse. Good fathers
raise good sons who become honorable men—men who young women want to date and
or marry.
There are a number of ways in which fathers
can positively influence the development of children. These include: A child’s chances for early
sexual activity are lessened; children are more likely to succeed academically;
children are less likely to become involved in crime; they have a greater sense
of physical and emotional stability, etc.
Even with such information there are still
differing opinions on the roles of fathers and how they contribute to the
family.
To get more insight on the topic I asked my
co-workers Andy and Trisha what being a father means to them.
I first spoke with Trisha. She told me she felt the role of a father
today is not much different than that of the mother. She said, “The roles of mothers and fathers
today are intertwined quite a bit more than maybe 10 years ago. Today you have
mothers going to work, fathers staying home, etc. The line dividing the roles of mothers and
fathers has become so blurred to the point there isn’t much of a difference
that I can see.”
In speaking with Andy, he had a few
differing opinions that were interesting to compare to Trisha’s. Andy responded, “Fathers are a lot like a
tree. He is the center or base of the family that helps keep everyone together.
Fathers need to provide for their
family’s well-being and to set an example for his children.”
It’s apparent that Andy and Trisha see the roles
of fathers in the home quite differently. As a society we need to recognize the
importance of fathers and to encourage their active presence in the family.
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