WARNING – If this article offends you, you are probably one of the people that needs to read it the most.
It is no secret that the United States is in a bad place. We are falling further behind in academics, have the highest incarceration rate in the world, the government is taking away our rights (we’ll focus on that one in another article) and let’s face it, more and more kids are dropping out of school. Let’s add to all of this that we have a generation that is less respectful and feels more entitled than any generation before them. So, what is the problem? What is happening in this country that is screwing things up so much?
I could pretend that I am a politician and simply play on emotions, blaming violence on guns, poor grades on bad teachers, and spoiled kids on “the times”. I prefer to look at facts, so let’s go that route. Here are some statistics that will help you see what one of the biggest problems in this country is.
- 63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes (US Dept. Of Health/Census) – this is 5 times the average.
- 90% of all homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes – this is 32 times the average.
- 85% of all children who show behavior disorders come from fatherless homes – this is 20 times the average. (Center for Disease Control)
- 80% of rapists with anger problems come from fatherless homes –14 times the average. (Justice & Behavior, Vol 14, p. 403-26)
- 71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes – 9 times the average. (National Principals Association Report)
Father Factor in Education –
Fatherless children are twice as likely to drop out of school.
- Children with Fathers who are involved are 40% less likely to repeat a grade in school.
- Children with Fathers who are involved are 70% less likely to drop out of school.
- Children with Fathers who are involved are more likely to get A’s in school.
- Children with Fathers who are involved are more likely to enjoy school and engage in extracurricular activities.
- 75% of all adolescent patients in chemical abuse centers come from fatherless homes – 10 times the average.
Are you getting the point? Fathers used to be in the picture. They were a male role model for their children. Without a father in the picture, things get bad! This is in no way meant to bash single moms. You work your butts off, and many of you do the best that you can. Without you doing what you do, I’m sure the number would be a whole lot worse. However, no matter how hard you work, that does not make you the father.
Why do children need a father? Dads, you are there to show your sons the proper way to treat a women. You are there to show your daughters what to look for in a man. You are there to support your wife and children, and always be there for them. You are there to do whatever you can to take care of them and make sure that they are safe, physically and emotionally. You are there to protect your wife’s heart. If you are not doing these things, you need to take a look in the mirror. I will be the first to admit that I don’t get it right all the time. I keep trying though. I am there, doing my best.
If you have a child or children, and you are not in the picture, you need to fix it NOW! If you don’t, well, take a look at the data above again. We have this warped illusion about what a man is these days. Guess what, if you ran out on your kids, you have no right to call yourself man. Whatever excuses you have made, get over them! Make it right, get in the picture, and be a father. Tell your kids you love them, and SHOW them that you love them. Their future, and maybe our country depends
