Father Absence

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Father Absence

Father absence refers to when children grow up without a father in their lives, particularly in their homes. Recent research shows that children who live without their fathers are more likely to be poor, to use drugs, to experience educational, health, emotional and behavioral problems, to be victims of child abuse, and to engage in criminal behavior than their peers who live with their married, biological (or adoptive) parents.

While the research can be daunting, there is good news. A loving and nurturing father improves outcomes for children, families and communities. Children with involved, loving fathers are significantly more likely to do well in school, have healthy self-esteem, exhibit empathy and pro-social behavior, and avoid high-risk behaviors including drug use, truancy, and criminal activity.

If you are a father looking to be more active in your child's life, the following resources are practical tools from the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse (NRFC) online library. More program relevant and technical resources are available below.

• Information Resources from the Online Library on: Non-Custodial Parenting.
   
  
• U.S. Surgeon General's Tips To Fathers Sponsor: U.S. Surgeon General
  From babyhood into the college years, kids look to dads for love and guidance. U.S. Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., offers dads advice to make their jobs more successful - a dozen tips for keeping children healthy and safe.
  
  
• The Responsibilities of Non-Custodial Dads Sponsor: Family Education
  The non-custodial parent, often the dad, must make a special effort to maintain a close and loving relationship with the children. Jack Feuer, a journalist, a divorced and dedicated father, and the author of several books for divorced dads, has some winning strategies for forging bonds when a parent is not in daily contact with the kids.
  
  
• Making Visitation Work Sponsor: Fathers.com
  Offers a few suggestions that may help smooth out a tough situation, borrowing from Kenneth Parker and Van Jones in their book, Every Other Weekend.
  
  
• What Fathers Contribute to Child Development (PDF - 35 KB)
  Online fact sheet. Sponsor: The Texas A & M System. Texas Cooperative Extension
  Fathers who are active in their child's life will have a tremendous effect on their child's development ? both cognitively and socially. Having the experience of two involved parents adds variety and dimension to the child's experience of the world.
  
  
• Family Fun and Entertainment Ideas for Kids Sponsor: Family Education
  Family Entertainment Center, includes games, arts and crafts projects and after-school activities, and explore ideas, decorations, and homemade gifts for the holidays. Also features game and toy recommendations, and a movie database.