Do You Understand the Value of Fathers?

Strong families, communities, and nations need strong fathers. America needs men and women to recognize that fathers are essential for happy, healthy, and successful children. Yet, “one of two American children will spend the entirety of their childhood living with both biological parents,” according to an article published by Esther Larsen at The Deseret News. The article concluded as follows: 

One big reason so many of the boys and men in our nation are having trouble is that too many males are distanced from fatherhood, either as practitioners of paternal love or recipients of that love. Family breakdown and distant dads spell trouble for boys and men alike. So the philanthropic community needs to strengthen marriage, underline the importance of dads and help all fathers – both residential and nonresidential – strengthen their ties with their children.

In particular, foundations and wealthy individuals should get behind initiatives that strengthen marriage…. They could also help initiatives that provide compelling messaging around fathering and the irreplaceable role of fathers on social media …  which encourages young men and women to put marriage before the baby carriage.

Finally, we need to build networks of support for dads and husbands…. The aim here is to maximize initiatives that will make our country a place where Father’s Day is a day of true celebration for ever more men, women and children.

Sunday is Fathers’ Day, and millions of fathers will be honored by their wives, children, and grandchildren. As we honor fathers this weekend, we must make sure that they know how important they are to children of all ages. Strong fathers are essential for strong families, strong communities, and strong nations.