But we must do even more to ensure our message reaches absent fathers and encourages them to be there for their children. And if they can't be in the family household, then we must also encourage them to be involved on a financial and emotional basis. I'm not stressing the importance of fathers to lessen the importance of mothers, or the success single mothers have had in raising children. What we need to make clear to fathers is the importance of having two active and responsible parents in a child's life. Even the single mothers who do a wonderful job must overcome the disadvantage of not having dad to help in raising a child.
Research confirms that active fathers make a real difference in the lives of their children.
Today, only 5 of every 10 children born in this generation will live with both their natural parents by the time they turn 18. In single parent homes, just 1 child in 6 saw his or her father in the past year and half didn't see their fathers at all. There are many pitfalls to be faced by fatherless children, if we don't act now. Children growing up without fathers are more likely to fail in school or drop out, have emotional problems, engage in early sexual activity, and develop drug and alcohol problems. Even more tragic, children growing up without fathers are 3 times more likely to commit suicide.