Teenage Dads? - From Dad's Point of Viewby Dr. Ken Canfield
Copyright 1999 National Center for Fathering
Reprinted with Permission
In the News ...
The Office of Juvenile Justice released a daunting report on teenage fatherhood. Ethnicity, neighborhood characteristics, lack of education, delinquency, and drug use comprise a constellation of problem behaviors which are often present when teens become fathers. Seventy percent of high-frequency drug users became teen fathers, while only 24 percent of low-users or nonusers did. Similarly, almost half (47%) of high-rate delinquents later became teen fathers, compared to 23 percent of non-delinquents.
Researchers hoped that fatherhood might encourage young males to become more responsible and assume the tasks of helping to establish and support a family. But in reality, it appears to exacerbate an already troubled and stressful life for young men, particularly in their first year as fathers. According to the Pittsburgh sample, first-year fathers were three times more likely to commit certain delinquent acts.
To Think About ...
Tommy is a young man whom we heard about several years ago. Only 18 at the time, he was legendary in his inner-city community, because he could attest to fathering twenty-three children. For all I know, there could be more by now. You're probably reacting the same way I did when I first heard about Tommy--with shock and sadness. But to Tommy, those 23 youngsters were like a badge of honor to his reproductive prowess. He boasted about them.
Many of us boast about our children also--though not, I hope, in the same immature way that Tommy did. There's nothing wrong with being proud of our kids, but unlike Tommy, we must back that up with responsible action--being available, modeling healthy manhood, teaching our children important life skills, and actively listening to them. Fathering is a great responsibility ... and a great privilege.
In the Trenches ...
"Who?" "Jenny Jones." "You mean the afternoon talk show host with a reputation for making private matters into a public stage show?" That's how the conversation went recently when George Williams was asked to participate in a series of programs focusing on men establishing paternity of their children. George, who leads our urban effort, provided some penetrating insights in two emotionally charged shows (scheduled to air next week). His closing remark was: "Twenty to thirty years from now, your sons and daughters will be sitting right where you are unless you choose to live differently and assume your responsibility as a father." The Jenny Jones staff has already invited him back for another taping. Great job, George!
ACTION POINTS for Committed Fathers
1. Talk to your son or another adolescent young man about the deep, long-range consequences of teen fathering. Use someone you know as an example.
2. Make a list of the fatherless children who you know and drop them a note or give them a call and check in this weekend.
3. Spring is just around the corner. Review the essentials of your family's moral and sexual code. Encourage your children to maintain the highest standard and affirm them with a promise ring or a written commitment.
4. Do some "in-your-face" boasting of your child. Point out specific character traits that make you proud to be his or her father.
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