The point is not to force a choice between the parenting role of mothers or fathers but to suggest that they work best when they work together. Fathers are also critical to the proper socialization of children because they teach by example how to keep negative impulses in check. It is through boys' observation of the way their fathers deal with frustration, anger, and sadness that they learn how men should cope with such emotions. It is also through the observation of how fathers treat mothers that boys learn how men should treat women. If fathers treat mothers with dignity and respect, then it is likely that their sons will grow up to treat women with dignity and respect, if fathers treat mothers with contempt and cruelty, then it is likely that their sons will, too.
Fathers are also critical for the healthy emotional development of girls.
If girls experience the love, attention, and protection of fathers, then they are likely to resist the temptations of seeking such things elsewhere - often through casual sexual relations at a very young age. Finally, fathers are important in helping children make the difficult transition to the adult world. We don't need a crystal ball to find the answer. As I indicated earlier, nearly four out of every ten children are being raised absent their fathers right now. The result is that juveniles are the fastest growing segment of the criminal population in the United States.