The Fatherless Crisis In America: The Impact on Children’s Upbringing

The United States has the highest rate of children living in single parent households of any nation in the world, with about 80% of these households being led by single mothers. This statistic stands at a rate of 23% of children living with one parent and no other adult, which is over three times the world average of 7%.

For comparison, the numbers stand at 3% in China and 4% in India. This is not a statistic to brag about, and the side effects of this issue will not be seen for decades to come.

Even for children with a father present in the home, the average school-aged boy only spends about 30 minutes per week having conversations with his father.

Meanwhile, the same boy on average will spend about 44 hours per week watching television, playing video games, and surfing the internet. This disparity highlights the importance of spending quality time with children, as well as encouraging physical activity and reading.

The effects of fatherlessness are deeply troubling. Studies show that 90% of all homeless and runaway children, 63% of teen suicides, and 85% of children and teens with behavioral disorders come from fatherless homes.

Furthermore, fatherlessness has a direct link to teen pregnancy and sexual activity, with roughly 70% of teenage pregnancies stemming from women raised in a fatherless home. These women also have significantly higher abortion rates than women raised by both a father and a mother.

Children raised in a single parent household without a father present are 20 times more likely to be incarcerated and 11 times more likely to exhibit violent behavior compared to children raised in a two-parent household.

While a household with a husband and wife is less likely to end up in jail, the chances are the same as children raised by just their father. The real problem lies with single mothers without a father figure, who are unable to discipline their children, provide hope and values, and instill principles.

Girls raised without a father have lower self-esteem and are more susceptible to mental health issues. The restoration of the family nucleus can help lower crime, lower mental health issues, lower suicide rates, and decrease homelessness.

Mothers play a crucial role in the upbringing of their children, but so do fathers. The husband and wife bring different things to the table, but both play important roles in the development of their children.

The question remains, why is fatherlessness in the US at 23% while the world average is 7%? Is it the fault of the husbands and wives? The ratios are not the same around the world, so it cannot be solely blamed on parents.

It is a complex issue that may stem from the evolution of society, the influence of mainstream media and Hollywood, and a variety of other factors.

Conclusion

The impact of fatherlessness on children’s upbringing cannot be overstated. It is a disturbing issue that has far-reaching consequences, from decreased self-esteem in girls to increased rates of incarceration and violent behavior in boys. The restoration of the family nucleus can help to address these problems, but it is a larger societal issue that needs to be addressed. While mothers play a crucial role, fathers are just as important in the upbringing of their children. We must work together to address the root causes of fatherlessness and find solutions to this pressing issue.