The Impact of Fathers on Family Stability

(443 Words)
Fathers play an important role when it comes to family stability. It is important for men to understand how their actions affect their children and how important their decisions truly are.
First, it is vital for fathers to be present for their families and for the children. It is especially disruptive when fathers come in and out of children’s lives. It can be difficult for the children to learn to count on them. They may be constantly disappointed by the disappearance of their father, and this can be detrimental in various ways. They will never know what to expect, and family stability will suffer.
Empirical research has supported the importance of a father’s presence and its effect on children. In a study performed by Terry-Ann Craigie of Michigan State University, when the father was present part of the time, children showed lowered cognitive ability when compared to kids from both two parent and single parent households. The data was taken from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, and the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test was used to measure cognitive performance. Girls appeared to be affected more than boys.
Fathers are very important to help a family stay stable in other ways as well. According to The Nicholas Foundation, children have an increased chance of being healthy and productive when their families and fathers are stable. If a father is suffering from problems such as poverty, unemployment or mental illness, then he may not be able to focus on his kids. It can be difficult for him to effectively parent.
Typically children look up to their fathers. They want to spend time with them and be like them. When they see a father that is practicing poor behaviors or who is not as involved as he should be, then these children may take other measures in order to get his attention. They may display behavioral problems or do poorly in school.
Children will emulate the behavior of their parents. When a father is not stable, then the children may think that it is the way that things are supposed to be. Never knowing what to expect from their families, they may have trouble focusing on school and learning the important lessons of childhood.
Fathers can also greatly affect the stability of the family if they are not able to financially provide for the family. If the family does not have enough money for the basics such as food and shelter then the children will live in an unstable environment.
Fathers are very important for the stability of the family. It is important for men to understand the role they play in their children’s lives.