Fathers are unique. They make a special contribution to the home and especially to the life and development of their children. Children need a mother, but a mother is not a father. Kids need both a father and a mother, and fathers in particular are important in the development of children.

Studies show that children from fatherless homes are more likely to be poor, become involved in drug and alcohol abuse, drop out of school, and suffer from health and emotional problems. Boys are more likely to become involved in crime, and girls are more likely to become pregnant as teens in homes without fathers. 71% of high school dropouts are fatherless; fatherless children have more trouble academically, …;, and [are] less likely to attain academic and professional qualifications in adulthood.[1]

Scholars at the Yale Child Study Center report that having a father at home increases the likelihood that children will be healthier emotionally and socially, stronger cognitively and academically, and stable throughout their lifetimes.” They add, “[The fact] that men and women parent differently, for whatever complicated reasons, is in most cases a great advantage for children.”[2] In other words, it’s best for the children to have both a mother and a father at home raising the kids. It’s good for a child to experience the different approaches that both mom and dad provide.

Of course, we didn’t need academic studies to convince us of the importance of fathers. God established the family and gave fathers an active role in raising children. Our authority for the role of father is the Bible. Fathers need to make sure they are carrying out the responsibilities God gives them.

[1] https://fathers.com/statistics-and-research/the-consequences-of-fatherlessness/

[2] Cited on the Daily Citizen Morning Headlines, Focus on the Family