I looked outside last Friday–sunny and blue skies. It was a perfect day – the high temp was 84 °F. Sunday looked the same, except the high was a cold 63 degrees. Why this great variance in temperature on two days which looked the same? Unseen influences of arctic air and high and low pressure fronts moved last week’s warm air out and brought the unseasonably cold air of Sunday in. Invisible forces have as much or more influence on weather as the visible factors.

So it is with society today. Forty-five percent of all U.S. households have an unmarried person at their head. A fourth of children under 21 are being raised by single parents, 84% of whom are mothers.

Are fathers important? Are they needed? What value do they add to the home and family and to their children’s lives? What’s the cumulative effect on our society of so many children being raised essentially without fathers? The marriage of a child’s parents, being raised by both parents, having the in-home influence of one’s biological father are the invisible forces, which like the jet stream and other powerful influences determine our weather as much as season and mere sunlight.

Dads, you are more than a discipliner, a financial provider, or a back-up mother. You are an integral part of your children’s psychological health, well-being and self-concept. Much of a child’s sense of self is derived from their relationship and interactions with their father as well as their mother. And especially important is the way children see their fathers treat their mothers. Statistics on the attached chart show the problems that can arise when fathers are not involved in their children’s lives.

Dads, your kids need you and will flourish better in your presence. Society needs you to keep your place as a father (or take it up if you’re not there right now). They need you to listen to them, teach them, show them how to love and be loved, how to treat others. Help them make their way in the world the right way–not through bullying or fighting or gangs or withdrawing. They need you to show them how to work and how to play. They need you to laugh with them and have fun with them. They need you to read to them. All children need their parent’s moral influence as well as their physical presence. Mothers, I hope you will facilitate your children’s fathers (those who are responsible fathers) being actively involved in their lives. Fathers, enjoy your time with your children – no matter what age they are.

Happy Father’s Day, and thanks for all you do, Dad.

Impact of Dads in a Home

*Study data pulled from: http://www.preteen-thru-teenage-parenting-action-guide.com/parenting-statistics.html