Fathers Impact Children’s Well-Being 

fathers

In June 2021, there was a big Father’s Day celebration in Washington, DC that warmed many hearts. This is what we need more of. A man’s presence in children’s lives makes all the difference, especially when that man is their father and they deserve just as much love, appreciation as mothers get.  Black fathers, especially, deserve more recognition. This survey displays evidence of the impacts of growing up with a father in the household.

First, contrary to popular belief, a lot of black children grow up with both parents in the household. According to the Census Bureau, when it comes to African American children:

  •  41.3% are being raised by their biological moms and dads  (37.9% married, 3.4% unmarried)
  • 50.8% are living with a single parent (4.5% with fathers)
  • 8% live with a nonparent

According to the Census Bureau, when it comes to the population:

  • a little over 70% of children live with their biological parents
  • 21% live with their mothers alone
  • 4.5% live with their fathers alone
  • 4% live with someone other than a parent

Also, children who grow up in a two-parent household are 3 ½ times less likely to live in poverty than those who are raised by single parents. In the group of African Americans, 46% of children living with their mothers alone are poor, compared with 13% of those living in two-parent homes. 

Additionally, 15% of black kids raised by single moms get a college degree. That percentage bumps up to 28% with their fathers present in the home. Conversely, 14% of black kids raised by single moms have ever been incarcerated and that percentage drops to 8% with fathers present in the home. “...Outcomes for African American children from two-parent homes are better across a range of measures than are those for white children raised by single moms,” according to the Institute for Family Studies. 

Finally, girls who grow up with their dads present:

  • are more assertive 
  • have lower rates of depression
  •  have fewer body image problems than those raised by single moms

 Boys who grow up with their dads present:

  • are more likely to be employed as adults
  • less likely to act out at school.
  • less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol

In conclusion, these statistics show a few of the many ways that fathers contribute to their children’s well-being. Their presence alone impacts both their daughters and sons equally. It’s time for us to praise and celebrate fathers rather than degrade them. When will this change come?

Charen, Mona. “The Difference a Father Makes.” Times, Chicago Sun-Times, 24 June 2021

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