Are Fathers Essential? - From Dad's Point of View

by Dr. Ken Canfield

 

Copyright 1999 National Center for Fathering
Reprinted with Permission

In the News ...
Here's the latest in the continuing discussion around the question, "Are fathers essential?" In the June issue of American Psychology, Yushiva University professors Silverstein and Auerbach have drawn three conclusions: First, fathers are not crucial to a child's development. After reviewing the research, they argued, "We do not believe that the data supports the conclusion that fathers are essential to a child's well being." In the authors' view, the data suggests that neither a mother nor a father is essential to a child's well-being. Second, they debunk the notion that fathers parent differently than mothers, citing studies of other mammals-marmosets--where fathers are the primary care-givers. Third, they argue that divorce has little if any effect on children, concluding that, for boys, the lack of a male role-model after a divorce does not have a significant negative impact on their development.

To Think About ...
Do fathers contribute anything to their children that is different from what mothers bring? If you have any doubts, ask children. The differences are real. Children know it, and any thorough review of fathering research will bear it out.

Despite my disagreement with Silverstein and Auerbach, I'm thankful for their article. It reminds us of the growing number of children who have no father. We must be sensitive to this and must be certain that our discussions of the parenting differences between moms and dads aren't merely rubbing salt in these children's wounds. Instead, our discussions must focus on encouraging more men to fulfill their role as responsible fathers and father-figures. Policy makers, opinion leaders and researchers are searching for examples of men who are assuming responsibility for their children while displaying respect for the fatherless and for mothers.

In the Trenches ...
State policy makers are considering many initiatives to promote responsible fathering. In Oklahoma yesterday, we met with a cabinet secretary whose agenda to improve the overall well-being of families and children may include some special efforts designed to engage fathers. This support at the state level is important, but ultimately it will be individual dads--in Oklahoma and across the nation--who decide that being a dad is a top priority.

Dear Reader:  You can help us make this website even better!

We'd love to hear your comments about this article!  Scroll down to sound off!  All of our articles and ideas have come from our imagination and from reader submissions.  Please use this form to contact us if you have articles, crafts, activities, games, recipes, songs or poems that you would like to add to this website. Make sure to stop by our friendly forums too!  Read more articles from dads in our section devoted just to them!

Webmasters and Authors:

We are looking for more "dad authors'!  We will gladly include a link back to your site or book in exchange for sharing your content.  Just contact us!

Bookmark

Email This

Hits: 3918

Trackback(0)

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (0)

Write comment

Name

Email

Website

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

Subscribe via email (Registered users only)

I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment Preview