Fatherless America? A third of children now live without dad
Posted By Jennie Chancey on May 23, 2011
Two stints in prison, rehab and a probation officer failed to inspire Mike DeBoer to give up the drugs. Dirty diapers, peanut butter sandwiches, playing “tickle monster” with a giggly redhead who smiles his daddy’s smile — that’s what did it.
“My dad wasn’t there for me,” said DeBoer, 30, a thick, muscular man with a shaved head and five o’clock shadow, pausing to coo at his now-17-month-old son. “There’s nothing in the world that’s gonna keep me from being there for my little man.”
One-third of American children are growing up, as DeBoer did, without their biological father, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In the past 50 years, the percentage of children who live with two married parents has dropped 22 points. During that same time, the number of babies born to unwed mothers jumped from 5 percent to 40 percent.
The growing trend of father absence could have grave implications for society, researchers say, because having dad around has been linked to important developments in a child’s physical, emotional and behavioral health. At the same time, though, research indicates it’s not enough just to have a male figure in the home.
Click HERE to read this entire piece. This is such vitally important information. We ignore it at our society’s peril.
About The Author
Jennie Chancey
Jennie is the wife of Matthew and mother of ten children, all of whom keep the household bubbling with life, learning, and levity. Jennie co-founded LAF in 2002 with Lydia Sherman and has been delighted to hear from women all over the world who enjoy their femininity and love to cultivate womanly virtues.Comments
2 Responses to “Fatherless America? A third of children now live without dad”
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I just recently argued with some British guy who defended gay couples raising kids. My main argument against it? Kids need fathers (and mothers, but it’s fathers that they’re doing without right now). Ultimately, he couldn’t get past that, though he tried.
Good job Jenn… I also agree with you.. Those ultra liberal ones, including the governments are at fault. They will excuse grave mistakes, yet they will right away be there to dispatch 911 on location to beat on the dad for absolutely no reason.
Also wanted to say that this article convinced me to FIGHT my ex to be in my kids’ lives.. Thanks to the co founder for posting it here… My ex wanted them all the time, then I know she will parental alienate our children telling them as they grow to be older that I didn’t want to be there for them.
Its very hard for a man to be there for his kids often times because as a man, we feel we have to fight all these feminists that are all over the place.. at the police, at the child protection services, friends and family of the wife, even the courts… well especially the courts. Somebody has to do something about it and with your help ladies, it will be me.
It will stop in THIS generation, even if I have to risk my life or be emprisoned for it.