Why Dad is so important - the bedrock of society
"In the U.S., 71% of high school dropouts are fatherless. Then, consider that 85% of the youths in prison are fatherless."
Despite the trend to downplay its significance, the research is unequivocal, and the evidence is compelling. Marriage is a boon for society, particularly for the welfare of children. It's crystal clear that kids, especially boys, thrive in an environment of stability, routine, and boundaries that marriage provides.
At its core, marriage is not just for the adults involved. It's primarily for the children. It offers a secure space for kids to grow and explore within set limits. It's a sanctuary. I would argue that marriage acts as a lifeline, weaving together the threads of life to create a safe harbour for a child.
For the parents, it provides a trusted space for the integration of sexuality into our lives. Once children enter the picture, it's no longer about us. It's about them.
In the West, accepting all families as equal is the norm. Barney the Dinosaur even sings about it. I understand the need not to offend, but the evidence is clear: single-parent families do not generally have good outcomes for kids, especially boys.
My interest in this area grew from my interactions with delinquent kids. These were usually boys who'd committed crimes. They came before me for a 'caution' rather than appearing in court. This process allowed them to correct a mistake without the stain of a criminal record.
What struck me repeatedly is that these kids came from single-parent families, usually with the father absent. Mum was working hard to keep the kid in school, dressed and fed without a man in the household. On occasion, a Grandfather or Uncle was around. When that was the case, the outcome for the kid was usually better.
The research I've come across echoes my observations. Boys greatly benefit from a male father figure. This figure establishes boundaries, monitors behaviour, and serves as a positive role model. Boys without this figure often drift, and some find themselves in gangs. With testosterone surging and no checks, it's a dangerous mix. The gang becomes the 'father', with dire consequences.
If you don't believe it, look at the data. In the U.S., 71% of high school dropouts are fatherless. Then, consider that 85% of the youths in prison are fatherless. For runaway children, the figure is 90% fatherless. A recent study found that preschoolers not living with both of their biological parents are 40 times more likely to be abused.
In the U.K., some 84% of single parents are women (update July 2024). Boys in those families are nine times more likely to commit crimes. That's costing the economy an estimated £100 billion a year.
A 12-year Yale study found that a father's presence increases a child's IQ. Newcastle University's work, which examined 11,000 British men and women, supports this finding. The story gets more interesting when you consider health.
A Princeton study of 5,000 young people found a father's absence damages telomeres - vital pieces of DNA that protect cells—having an absent father through divorce shortened telomeres by 14 per cent. In contrast, a death shortened them by 16 per cent. This phenomenon, known as the 'Dad deficit ', clearly indicates the negative impact of a father's absence on a child's life. Shortened telomeres presuppose premature ageing and cancer. The so-called 'Dad deficit' cripples a young boy's chances in life. The data is unmistakable and unquestionable proof of this impact.
Some lefty types can't accept any of this. They bury their heads in the sand. Then, they concoct weird theories, such as the idea that a child can thrive equally well in any family structure, with no rational basis. Occasionally, they will go to extraordinary lengths, like suppressing scientific evidence or shouting down alternative views. They are denying the science, shouting down alternative views. It's all about sustaining a dogma that damages children and our society.
Within a stable marriage, boys and girls find the environment to grow. In the U.S., roughly 1 in 4 children are raised in homes without a father. The effects are staggering. Father's absence causes increases in mental and behavioural disorders. Criminal activity and substance abuse soar. On the other hand, when raised in a healthy marriage, children see and experience the lasting benefits of a strong family.
Many on the left reject this, citing their 'opinion' that it is wrong to label and be judgmental. And yet, first-rate scientific inquiry, not second-rate social theory, destroys them. In researching this piece, I scanned various articles discussing the merits of marriage. The impact on children came up in only one article. This willful blindness is pure selfishness.
In no way do I wish to denigrate those single parents who do a marvellous job. They deserve our respect. Nor do I opine that couples must remain in a failing marriage. That misery can be as bad for the child. I'm asking that people understand the consequences of the choices they make. Never forget that life is a compromise. Plus, the inescapable fact is the greater obligation is to the child you brought into this world.
It is gratifying to see that schemes such as Operation Breakthrough have such a positive impact. This programme, run by Hong Kong Police officers (serving and retired), engages formally wayward young men and women in various sporting activities, keeping them focused and occupied.
But more important, and never stated, is that the cops become the surrogate fathers. BJ Smith, Danny Lawley, David Grant, and others provide positive role models. This male influence is so crucial to developing self-esteem and recognising potential. To date, the scheme has produced outstanding results, with participants going on to serve in the Fire Services and other agencies.
The 'Breakthrough' crew deserves praise for their sterling work and true 'service to the community.'
September 2017
At its core, marriage is not just for the adults involved. It's primarily for the children. It offers a secure space for kids to grow and explore within set limits. It's a sanctuary. I would argue that marriage acts as a lifeline, weaving together the threads of life to create a safe harbour for a child.
For the parents, it provides a trusted space for the integration of sexuality into our lives. Once children enter the picture, it's no longer about us. It's about them.
In the West, accepting all families as equal is the norm. Barney the Dinosaur even sings about it. I understand the need not to offend, but the evidence is clear: single-parent families do not generally have good outcomes for kids, especially boys.
My interest in this area grew from my interactions with delinquent kids. These were usually boys who'd committed crimes. They came before me for a 'caution' rather than appearing in court. This process allowed them to correct a mistake without the stain of a criminal record.
What struck me repeatedly is that these kids came from single-parent families, usually with the father absent. Mum was working hard to keep the kid in school, dressed and fed without a man in the household. On occasion, a Grandfather or Uncle was around. When that was the case, the outcome for the kid was usually better.
The research I've come across echoes my observations. Boys greatly benefit from a male father figure. This figure establishes boundaries, monitors behaviour, and serves as a positive role model. Boys without this figure often drift, and some find themselves in gangs. With testosterone surging and no checks, it's a dangerous mix. The gang becomes the 'father', with dire consequences.
If you don't believe it, look at the data. In the U.S., 71% of high school dropouts are fatherless. Then, consider that 85% of the youths in prison are fatherless. For runaway children, the figure is 90% fatherless. A recent study found that preschoolers not living with both of their biological parents are 40 times more likely to be abused.
In the U.K., some 84% of single parents are women (update July 2024). Boys in those families are nine times more likely to commit crimes. That's costing the economy an estimated £100 billion a year.
A 12-year Yale study found that a father's presence increases a child's IQ. Newcastle University's work, which examined 11,000 British men and women, supports this finding. The story gets more interesting when you consider health.
A Princeton study of 5,000 young people found a father's absence damages telomeres - vital pieces of DNA that protect cells—having an absent father through divorce shortened telomeres by 14 per cent. In contrast, a death shortened them by 16 per cent. This phenomenon, known as the 'Dad deficit ', clearly indicates the negative impact of a father's absence on a child's life. Shortened telomeres presuppose premature ageing and cancer. The so-called 'Dad deficit' cripples a young boy's chances in life. The data is unmistakable and unquestionable proof of this impact.
Some lefty types can't accept any of this. They bury their heads in the sand. Then, they concoct weird theories, such as the idea that a child can thrive equally well in any family structure, with no rational basis. Occasionally, they will go to extraordinary lengths, like suppressing scientific evidence or shouting down alternative views. They are denying the science, shouting down alternative views. It's all about sustaining a dogma that damages children and our society.
Within a stable marriage, boys and girls find the environment to grow. In the U.S., roughly 1 in 4 children are raised in homes without a father. The effects are staggering. Father's absence causes increases in mental and behavioural disorders. Criminal activity and substance abuse soar. On the other hand, when raised in a healthy marriage, children see and experience the lasting benefits of a strong family.
Many on the left reject this, citing their 'opinion' that it is wrong to label and be judgmental. And yet, first-rate scientific inquiry, not second-rate social theory, destroys them. In researching this piece, I scanned various articles discussing the merits of marriage. The impact on children came up in only one article. This willful blindness is pure selfishness.
In no way do I wish to denigrate those single parents who do a marvellous job. They deserve our respect. Nor do I opine that couples must remain in a failing marriage. That misery can be as bad for the child. I'm asking that people understand the consequences of the choices they make. Never forget that life is a compromise. Plus, the inescapable fact is the greater obligation is to the child you brought into this world.
It is gratifying to see that schemes such as Operation Breakthrough have such a positive impact. This programme, run by Hong Kong Police officers (serving and retired), engages formally wayward young men and women in various sporting activities, keeping them focused and occupied.
But more important, and never stated, is that the cops become the surrogate fathers. BJ Smith, Danny Lawley, David Grant, and others provide positive role models. This male influence is so crucial to developing self-esteem and recognising potential. To date, the scheme has produced outstanding results, with participants going on to serve in the Fire Services and other agencies.
The 'Breakthrough' crew deserves praise for their sterling work and true 'service to the community.'
September 2017
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