Dear Dads: Save Your Sons

Psychologist Christopher N. Bacon in this essay "Dear Dads: Save Your Sons" talks about the  Statics from the National Fatherhood Initiative that states an estimated 24.7 million children (36.3 percent) do not live with their biological father. About 40 percent of children have not seen their father during the past year.  I fall in to the statics of the biological father's not living full time with their child; but had a male figure in my life prior to having a child. The times when I'm around my child I make the most of it. This article Bacon talks about a mother in her mid-30's that has a 15 year old son. The mother describes to Bacon the actions of her son which are alcohol, gang membership, failing grades, and violence. Since his father left four years ago she has been having trouble and lost control over him. Bacon asked the mother if there were any men in his life she had replied “no”. This example brings to mind that Bacon's research of the effects and influences by fathers not being around causes there child to act up.

            I agree with Bacon's theory of how fathers play an important factor on a child's life. Children do need a male figure in their life; both younger and older. It is tough for single mother to raise a child alone. Younger and older boys still need some type of male figure in their life either be a woman's brother, father, Uncle, or a male friend. In a case were a woman has none of these sources available there are programs. Some programs called Big Brother, Boy Scouts, and sport coaches to name a few. These programs could he bring some closure and have a positive influence on the child's life. A father that is absents in child's life bothers me a lot. Some fathers have more than one child with more than one woman. Dad's that tend to no be around have no responsibility to what they contribute and bring into this world. Not to make an excuse for the absent of dad 's but sometimes things don't work out for the best between a father and mother; this causes a split to  happen which can also play a part of a child's lashing out. The reason is simple the child may feel that it's his/her fault that the parents are not together. Back it up a little bit to were things don't work out and the father leaves; now he might have to work a lot and very hard to pay child support at the same time try and support themselves that leaves less time to be around for their child or even see them at that matter. Other Dads are either scared or don’t want the responsibility for another life. There are men out there that never had a male role model in their life so they tend to keep the trend going; some may not had a male role model in their life but has the goal to change that so there child does have a male role model in their life to look up to.

            

           In conclusion the impotence of not just a father but a male role model doe’s play's a big part and influence on a child's life. I do not rule out that women are not capable of raising a child; but the male does have that persona which is looked upon as strong willing.