Date: 2007-06-12
Speaker: DAVID DAVIS (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Tennessee

Mr. Speaker. as a proud father of two. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker. I rise today in support of House Resolution 474. recognizing the immeasurable contribution of fathers in the healthy development of children. supporting responsible fatherhood. and encouraging ireater involvement of fathers in the lives of their children. especially on Fathers Day. William Shakespeare wrote. "It is a wise father that knows his own child." The truism of these words is exceedingly relevant today. The presence of two committed. involved parents contributes directly to better academic performance. reduced substance abuse. less crime and delinquency. fewer emotional and other behavioral problems. less risk of abuse and neglect and lower risk of teen suicide. The research is clear: Fathers factor significantly in the lives of their children. There is simply no substitute for the love. involvement and commitment of a responsible father. The fathers of yesteryear thought that merely being a good provider meant that they were good fathers. Fathers today have the responsibility to set aside quality time for their children in ways that may contribute to happy memories that last a lifetime. Fathers realize that their time with children is really an investment in them. Being an involved father .is good for children and good for fathers. And while each father is a unique person who parents in his own way and style. there are some characteristics that good fathers have in common. Good fathers are involved in the lives of their children. They attend their childrens school events. games and activities. They also involve their children in their lives and the adult world by taking them to see the workplace. taking them along when the car needs to be repaired or involving them in decisions that affect the family. 0l 1110 Good fathers set limits and are firm. They let their children know their beliefs and expectations but rely on explanations and reasoning rather than force. Indeed. todays lifestyles are changing. More and more fathers are effectively balancing their personal. work. and family times. Both children and fathers are realizing the importance of the fathers role. and there are everincreasing amounts of research being conducted on the fathers role in todays families. These findings document the importance of the fathers role. the profound influence of fathers in .childrens growth and development. and the characteristics that good fathers have in common. Fathers play a significant role in shaping the character of their children. By spending time with their sons and daughters. being stern yet fair disciplinarians. and listening to their experiences. fathers mold and shape their children into the men and women they will become. As advisers and role models. fathers help their children to understand the difference between right and wrong and to recognize how the decisions they make today can affect the rest of their lives. Fathers instill important values that prepare their children for the challenges and opportunities ahead by demonstrating true leadership. Their love and devotion inspire the future generation of Americans to achieve their dreams and demonstrate the true spirit of our country. A father is one of the most -important influences in a childs life. On Fathers Day and every day. we honor our fathers and celebrate the special bond between a father and a child. I am honored to rise today in support of this resolution and in honoring all of our fathers for the roles that they play and for the love they give. I ask my colleagues to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker. I reserve the balance of my time.