Daddy Issues

The role of the father, a male figure in a child’s life is a very crucial role that has been diminishing over the years. An absent father can be defined in two ways; the father is physically not present, or the father is physically present, but emotionally present. To an adolescent, a father is an idolized figure, someone they look up to (Feud, 1921), thus when such a figure is an absent one, it can and will negatively affect a child’s development. Many of the problems we face in society today, such as crime and delinquency, poor academic achievement, divorce, drug use, early pregnancy and sexual activity can be attributed to fathers being absent during adolescent development (Popenoe, 1996; Whitehead, 1993). The percentage of

Family is the first contact an infant experiences and the environment child is raised determines their behaviors and social development. Father figures just like mother figures are important in raising and socializing children in becoming responsible people as they grow. Numerous researches to determine importance of fathers in early child development have been carried out and majority of them found out that just like mothers, the role fathers play in early childhood development including mental, psychological and physical development are crucial. The studies show that, children raised by single mothers are likely to have problems such as drug abuse, engagement in early sexual behaviors and other unsocial behaviors as compared to those raised by both parents. The paper will explore the role of fathers in child rearing, discussing strategies in raising children and exploring pros and cons of such strategies.

Some scholars have argued the notion that fathers are important contributors to their children and adolescents’ psychosocial development (Mandara, Murray, & Joyner, 2005). According to Allgood, Beckert, and Peterson (2012), researchers are beginning to understand the importance of examining children’s perspectives and the relationships and levels of involvement children have with their fathers.

The estranged relationships between father and son tend to start from lack of communication. Fathers express their love through actions rather than words. When conflicts occur, they are unlikely to explain themselves, which leads to greater complications. In addition, fathers are often absent in the child’s youth for reasons such as work. However, absent fathers can have great influence on the child.

For various reasons, many children in the United States are living without their fathers in their homes or absent from their lives entirely. This is an issue all across the world and the children are having to deal with the disadvantages caused by the lack of support from their fathers. This issue has a significant effect on society and can be viewed and interpreted from the three sociological perspectives. As a result of many studies, it was found that children raised in father absent homes almost universally experience disadvantages such as: worse health, poorer academic achievement, and a less enjoyable educational experience. There are many variables that need to be taken into effect when considering

The data was collected in the Netherlands. “...highly educated divorced fathers were better able to maintain high-quality relationships with their children than divorced fathers who had a lower level of education” (Kalmijn, 932) meaning the upper-middle class fathers have a better chance of a relationship with their child than the lower-class. The Netherlands divorce rate is similar to other Western European countries but lower than in the United States. In 1998, arrangements for after divorce agreements changed in the Netherlands, and ensured in more frequent visits of children to divorced fathers. Gender roles in the Netherlands are becoming more considerably democratic in the past few decades and is now more equitable than the European average. However most of the respondents that were analyzed, experienced their parents divorce before these changes occurred.

The stress associated with the inability to bond in satisfactory ways with a father or father figure may constitute the same kind of stress that a physically absent father does, resulting in earlier onset of sexual activity and the risk of ensuing pregnancy. Assessment of the quality of a paternal-child relationship may be as important as whether or not such a relationship exists.”(p.

A father is a very important figure in a child’s life. They help raise and guide their child so they can have a successful life in the future. Father’s always want what’s best for their kids and most of the time they will sacrifice what they have for their children. Without fathers, children today would be out of control and running amok. This is evident in the present and is becoming more prevalent around the world. Fathers are needed in child’s life so they can help educate their children on a respectful lifestyle. There are long term consequences when a father a is not there for their child.

The video/ article was called "Breaking The Cycle of Absentee Father". The video is about a nonprofit organization for African American males so that they can be better father figures for their children. The man who started this is named Sheldon Smith. He created this organization because he wants to bring up the low percentage of father figures in Chicago. This organization works by having meetings and helping these men become better fathers through talking about problems and how they can fix them

Children who live without their fathers are, on average, more likely to choose deviant peers, have trouble getting along with other children, be at higher risk for peer problems and more aggressive.

Jasmine Zuniga was 15 and her boyfriend was 17 when she found out she was pregnant. Before she was pregnant, Zuniga’s boyfriend wasn’t the best boyfriend; he was heavily into drugs and did not quite treat her to great. However, once she became pregnant her boyfriend told her he would change his bad habits and be there for her and the baby but once her daughter was born her boyfriend continued to be an incompetent dad and boyfriend she was worried he would be. In a personal interview with the former teenage mother, Jasmine Zuniga explains that once “[her daughter] was born [her boyfriend] repeatedly cheated on me. He was more worried about getting his hands on drugs rather than taking care of his own daughter!” This particular teenage father

In Fatherneed, Pruett (2000) reported on a scientific study that linked positive father involvement with lowered levels of disruptive behavior, acting out, depression, and telling lies; obeying parents, being kind to others, and being responsible; fewer behavioral problems in young boys; and girls being happier, more confident, and willing to try new things (p. 52).

Fathers should be granted the same chance as mothers for custody of their young children because they can provide viable guardianship for the children and too provide them with other key necessities. For example, education, health care, affection and guidance that is paramount for their development. To limit a father exclusively based on his gender would be egregiously wrong. There is evidence to show that children separated from their father may experience an indefinite period of severe trauma and distress (Archard,

If a girl has a distant, but not uncaring relationship with her father, due either to unintentional things such as social factors or

“I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection.” --Sigmund Freud, Standard Edition, 1956