Active Fathers Promote Good Behavior

JaVaughn Elerby

English Comp 2

May 5, 2013

Active fathers promote good behavior

"One out of three children live in biological father-absent homes"

A father's absence in a child's life can has a major impact on a child. Fathers are important factors of raising well-adjusted families. Father's provide role models for their sons and girls need fathers to learn how to positively relate to men.

While children usually can depend on their mothers for unconditional love, they often look to earn their father's approval. While mothers soothe their children more often, fathers often provide more stimulation. Both mothers and fathers-have important roles in rearing their children. Fathers who do not live with their children simply are less available to support, guide, and provide for their children. "Toddlers with involved fathers go on to start school with higher levels of academic readiness. They are more patient and can handle the stresses and frustration associated with schooling more readily than children with less involved fathers."(Rosenberg & Bradford 2006) Speaking from personal experience; I have not had the opportunity to know my father. Whether he was a respectable dad or not, I feel I wasn't given the chance to know that person. When I became a father, I had no idea what was ahead of me. I only knew no matter what I would always be in my children's life. My mom raised 2 children by herself and we turned out to be ok. Even though he wasn't around physically, he was there mentally. I thought about him, and what he might be doing. I wondered quite often how his life was without me. I never let his absence affect my daily routine or life changes. I knew my mother, sister and I had to make ends meet no matter what. When I was young I thought my mom was the smartest person in the world, because every time I had a question she knew the answer to it. She showed me the importance of being happy with what I have, rather than not having anything at all. When seeing my mom strives, it made me want to push myself further to become successful. The absence of my father, made me want to learn how to be the best father I could be for my children. During school I wanted to be there for my children, I never wanted them to feel out of place when it was father's dad. I remember just recently my son hit the ball the first time during baseball, he was so excited the first thing he said was "Dad did you see me, did you see me hit the ball." My son was so proud of himself, he felt encouraged and brave to go out and play the game again. By my father not being there, I never want my children to experience that void.

The impact on a mother and father relationship will be the outcome of the child. Children who have both mother and father in the home will be physically and mentally