According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 40% of households in Milwaukee are headed by single parents. In certain zip codes within the city, there is a 70% father-absence rate. When fathers are truly “absent” in the lives of their children, there are harmful consequences to families and to the entire community.
Milwaukee has the fourth highest rate of children under the age of 18 living in poverty and the sixth highest teen birthrate among the 50 largest US cities. With father absence the norm in many Milwaukee families, the financial and emotional costs to the community are staggering and affect, either directly or indirectly, each one of us. It is The Parenting Network’s firm belief that fathers have a unique and irreplaceable role in the lives of their children if they are involved, responsible, and committed.
Father involvement produces positive results even before the child is born. Newborns with involved fathers are likely to have higher infant mortality rates, improved weight gain in pre-term babies, increased rates of breastfeeding, higher receptive language skills, and higher academic achievement. If fathers are absent in their children’s lives, their very absence may contribute to a sense of loss and abandonment that permeates the lives of their sons and daughters well into adulthood.
Father absence is correlated to a host of health and social detriments for children:
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Children without involved fathers are more likely to participate in antisocial behavior such as fighting, lying, cheating, and criminal activity.
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These children also face increased risks of depression and suicide.
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Girls growing up without a father are at a higher risk for early sexual activity and teen pregnancy.
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Children in father absent homes are more likely to abuse tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs.
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These children are also five times more likely to live in poverty than children in two parent homes.
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Father absence is one of the most common predictors of child abuse and neglect.
The Parenting Network’s VIP (Very Important Parent) Dads program provides parenting education and support specifically targeting dads. Dad Matters is an ongoing group that meets weekly at The Parenting Network. InsideOut Dad is facilitated at both the Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility and the Franklin House of Corrections. For more information about these programs, please call the Parent Helpline at 414/671-0566.
The Parenting Network is looking for VOLUNTEER facilitators to assist with VIP Dads and other programs. Training begins September 29! Call Ruth Miller at 414/671-5575 for more information.
[...] wisnonassignment wrote a fantastic post today on “What a Difference Dad Makes”Here’s ONLY a quick extractChildren in father absent homes are more likely to abuse tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs. These children are also five times more likely to live in poverty than children in two parent homes. Father absence is one of the most common … [...]