Fatherless Sons Becoming Fathers


(The boy has become a man)
One day the fatherless son will become a man and potentially a father.  If the current trends continue he won’t have a frame of reference as to how a father is supposed to conduct himself in the home.  In addition to that most outside influences will not be reaffirming to him if he watches movies, looks at television, watches sports, or listens to most music the influence of Dad is seldom highlighted and if so it’s pain because of his absence..
This is a dilemma that deserves our collective attention.  For decades the father has represented security, provision, guidance, and quiet strength.  Without this vital part of the equation, the family is at high risk for collapse.  The mother must do what is necessary to raise the family on her own and keep her best foot forward while inwardly holding resentment towards a man that left her.  While mom is dealing with the priorities of the home in an age where is almost a necessity to have two incomes her children inward question why dad isn’t home.  In the case of the daughter, she misses the affirmation of her father, his guidance, and reassurance BUT she can learn how to be a woman by watching her mother.  On the other hand, the young man misses everything his sister misses in addition to not having an example of what his role should be as he matures.
The interesting this is society has a tendency to forget about the exodus of men from the home due to policy, programs, and fear.  So, when the young man becomes a father he is held to the highest standard as if he had a lifetime to prepare for the role.  This has severely impacted communities where the income/debt ratio is inverse but there is hope.  There are programs rising up geared towards teaching the “New Dads” the basics of Fatherhood from how to hold the newborn, some co-parenting skills, etc. I think it is imperative that these programs are highlighted and supported by men and women as the whole family will benefit in the long term.  Our future fathers need and want guidance.  Let’s help them help themselves.  In my city (Jacksonville, FL) the program is Fatherhood P.R.I.D.E., is there a program in your city?  What is it called?


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