Father Involvement Key to Children’s Success

The research and statistics about the impact on a child’s life from not having an involved father are plentiful.  Too often, children raised without a father repeat the cycle for the next generation.

Researchers and father-advocates believe father involvement needs to start as early as birth and especially before age 5 for the cycle to begin to break. Early in development, children also benefit from a ‘village’: Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, clergy, teachers, doctors, health professionals, and school staff can supplement parental support and become positive role models and mentors for this generation and those to come.

The National Center for Fathering conducted a study in 1999 and then again in 2009 concerning the role and attitudes of fathers in America. The study revealed that 7 of every 10 Americans surveyed agreed that physical absence of the father was “the most significant family or social problem facing America.” In addition, 97% of those surveyed said that fathers should be more involved in their child’s education.

A good sign of significant progress was noted from the first research study to the next, including the following increases:

+6%:  Most fathers know what’s going on in their children’s lives

+13%: Employers recognize the strain fathers face between the demands of family and the demands of work

+19%: Dads are eating one or more meals with their family each day

As we know and as research has supported, having a father in the home is a major key to a child’s success. The National Center for Fathering website at Fathers.com  has many resources for all types of fathers. Whether your an adoptive father, single father, at-home dad or a traditional father, you can find tips and advice on how to become a better father for your children here.