Introduction

Hopefully, the nation will turn toward healing with the inauguration of America’s 47th president after more than eight years of political rancor. However, many issues divide people along political, party, religious, moral, and ideological lines. Those differences may be hardened in the years to come. To make matters worse, some people exploit the differences between the American populace for less-than-honorable purposes. The father-absence crisis should not be one of those contentious issues. Why not?

In this week’s article, I will argue that instead of dividing, we have every reason to unite behind a fatherhood movement. I’ll start by presenting a brief synopsis of the current state of childhood in our country, three reasons to work together to address the crisis, and the benefits and challenges of doing so.

The United States Faces a Fatherlessness Crisis

Around 80% of single-parent households are led by single mothers, therefore leading to nearly 25% (18.5 million) of American children growing up without their biological fathers in their homes (US Census Bureau). This results in many negative outcomes for children.

Why Fatherhood is Important for Children

Fatherhood is essential to the development of our children, and the increased involvement of fathers in the home leads to better results on a wide variety of outcomes. From economic health to academic achievement to upward social movement, fathers in their respective homes remain a key indicator of success for all children across racial, ethnic, and socio-economic groups.

That is not to say that single mothers cannot do an adequate job of raising kids without the help of the children’s father. Some do exceedingly well, even under unspeakable hardship. They should be celebrated. The point is they should not have to do it alone. That is not the Creator’s plan for the family. 

Impact of Father Absence on Communities

Communities across America are devastated by the lack of present, loving, and nurturing dads in their children’s lives.

Research indicates that father absence is one factor in the prevalence of youth behavioral problems, addiction, crime, and incarceration.

• 85% of children and teens with behavioral disorders come from fatherless homes.
• Over 70% of all adolescent patients in drug and alcohol treatment centers originate from homes without fathers. 
• Some sources claim that over 85% of youth in prison come from fatherless homes.

There is a correlation between father absence and increased risk of youth poverty.

Sadly, fatherless families are four times more likely to raise children in poverty (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020), and research suggests that 84% of homeless families are headed by women (ACOG, 2021).  – America First Policy Institute Issue Brief

The Fatherlessness Crisis Is Nonpartisan

People of goodwill of all political leanings who long for, pray for, and work for the betterment of their communities have something around which to unite. Something that, if improved, will have a positive ripple effect on the holistic health of children, families, cities, and the country. That thing is fatherhood. What, then, could be more patriotic than to rally together to increase the number of children growing up with present, committed, engaged fathers and father figures?

Three Reasons We Should Work Together to Address the Crisis

1. Impact on Children: Regardless of political affiliation, most people agree that children benefit from having a strong, positive relationship with their father. This includes emotional, social, and economic well-being.
2. Societal Impact: The potential negative consequences of father absence – increased poverty, crime, and social instability – are concerns that transcend political divides.
3. Focus on Solutions: Addressing fatherlessness often involves finding common ground on solutions, such as:

• Supporting Responsible Fatherhood: Programs that encourage and support fathers in their roles can be beneficial across the political spectrum.
• Improving Family Stability: Policies that promote marriage, reduce family poverty, and provide support for single-parent families can garner support from various viewpoints.
• Community-Based Solutions: Strengthening communities and providing resources for families can be a bipartisan goal.

Challenges and Benefits of Cooperation

While fatherlessness can be a nonpartisan issue, it’s important to acknowledge that the proposed approaches and solutions may vary depending on political ideology. That’s not a terrible thing in an all-hands-on-deck approach to problem-solving. It’s crucial to have open and respectful dialogues about this complex issue, focusing on finding common ground and solutions that benefit children and families.

Working together to address a common problem can lead to mutual understanding and encourage relationship building. Addressing the father absence crisis in that manner offers several key benefits:

• More Effective Solutions:
  • Diverse Perspectives: Combining different viewpoints can lead to more comprehensive and well-rounded solutions that address the multifaceted nature of the issue.
  • Increased Support: Bipartisan support can lead to greater funding, stronger legislation, and more widespread implementation of effective programs.
• Stronger Public Support:
  • Increased Legitimacy: Bipartisan efforts can increase public trust and support for addressing the issue, demonstrating a shared commitment to finding solutions.
  • Reduced Polarization: Addressing the issue through collaboration can help to reduce political polarization and foster a more constructive dialogue on important social issues.
• Improved Outcomes for Children:
  • Greater Impact: By combining resources and expertise, bipartisan efforts can have a more significant and lasting impact on children affected by father absence.
  • Focus on Child Well-being: A shared focus on children’s best interests can help ensure that solutions are effective and prioritize the needs of young people.
• Building Trust and Collaboration:
  • Improved Relationships: Successful bipartisan collaboration can build trust and goodwill between lawmakers and across the political spectrum.
  • Model for Future Collaboration: Successful bipartisan efforts on this issue can serve as a model for addressing other complex social challenges.

Bipartisan cooperation can be challenging, and finding common ground may not always be easy. However, the potential benefits for children and society make it worthwhile.

Fathering Strong Seeks to Spark a Fatherhood Movement

A significant national campaign to strengthen fatherhood for the benefit of children, families, and communities is needed. Such a movement requires collective action, shared beliefs and goals, organized effort, and social change. Now is the time.

Instructions from the Holy Scriptures

… “Write the vision
And make it plain on tablets,
That he may run who reads it. …” – Habakkuk 2:2 NKJV

When the LORD gives a vision, He instructs the visionary to write it down in understandable terms. He is to share the vision so those who read it can understand and enthusiastically run with it.

In next week’s blog post, I will outline my vision for The Fathering Strong Movement.

About the Author

Eli Williams is a father, grandfather, and mentor of several men. He and his wife Judy have served in community outreach ministry since the late 1980s and founded Urban Light Ministries in 1995. Eli has been a professional fatherhood practitioner since 2006 and is an ordained Christian minister helping to pastor New Hope Church in Springfield, Ohio. Reverend Williams authored Father Love—The Powerful Resource Every Child Needs in 2016 and led ULM in the creation of Fathering Strong.

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Fathering Strong is powered by Urban Light Ministries, Inc., a not-for-profit organization founded in 1995 in Springfield, Ohio. Our mission is to turn the hearts of fathers to their children.  To learn more about Urban Light Ministries and to donate to our mission, go to www.urbanlight.org.