June 15, 2001

Ten years ago David Popenoe wrote an article entitled "A World Without Fathers." He gave some rather depressing statistics then: In just three decades, from 1960-1990, the percentage of children living apart for their biological father has more than doubled, from 17% to 36%. It is now estimated that by the turn of the century, 50% of all American children may go to bed at night without being able to speak to their father. In a recent article entitled "Fathering Fatherless America" Dr. Scott J. Larson reports: One in two children now grow up without a father in the United States, and in our inner cities only one in five children live with their father. A whole new mission field has developed in America: Fathering fatherless kids. How critical is it for a father to be in the home? In families where both the mother and father were actively involved with their religion 72% of their children attended services when adults. If only the mother was active, only 15% attended, but if only the father was active 55% of their children attended when adults. In a family where the father is present, daughters are 42% less likely to make their sexual debut before the age of 16. Fathers, in the home, are examples to both sons and daughters on how a man is to treat a woman and a husband - his wife.

Dads, be aware of the influence you are having in the home. Be an example of godliness, kindness, humility. Don’t be afraid of saying your sorry if you have made an error. Your doing these things will go far in rearing your children properly.