To be sure, there are some who seem to rejoice in the increasing disappearance of fathers. Children who grow up absent their fathers are five times more likely to be poor, two to three times more likely to fail at school, and two to three times more likely to suffer from an emotional or behavioral problem. As teenagers, fatherless children are more likely to commit crime, engage in early and promiscuous sexual activity, and to commit suicide. Welcome to the brave new world where the desires of adults increasingly trump the needs of children. Some optimistically point to public opinion surveys indicating increasing percentages of Americans believe that fathers matter.
Unmarried fathers are far less likely to be living with their children than married fathers.
When fathers do not live with their children they tend to grow disconnected from their children. Somehow Nearby Guys' Day doesn't have the same ring to it as Fathers' Day. The fact is nearby guys do not hold the same place in children's hearts as fathers do. Nor should we expect they ever will. What children want, need and deserve is not some nearby guy who comes around once in a while, but a father they can count on.