There are more than 70.1 million fathers in the US with 24.4 million involved in raising children under the age of 18, according to fatherhood government statistics taken in 2012. Approximately 1.96 million were single fathers; 16 percent of custodial single parents were men; 189,000 were stay-at-home dads, raising over 369,000 children.
The growing trend is joint custody being awarded to both parents. The importance of a father’s presence in the life of their children is gaining ground. According to fatherhood.gov, “When fathers are involved in the lives of their children, especially their education, their children learn more, perform better in school, and exhibit healthier behavior. Even when fathers do not share a home with their children, their active involvement can have a lasting and positive impact.”
To validate the importance of a father’s influence, below are some quotes compiled in Wisdom for Dads, by David Young, that reinforce what a dad can accomplish by the “Power of Example.”
An example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing.
– Albert Schweitzer
A boy, by the age of three years, senses that his destiny is to be a man, so he watches his father particularly – his interests, manner, speech, pleasures, his attitude toward work.
– Dr. Benjamin Spock and Michael Rothenberg
Talking and reasoning do not even have one thousandth the influence a true example has. All lessons about how to behave are worthless when children see the opposite in real life.
– Leo Tolstoy
A parent can help direct a child when it comes to goals. Show leadership. Show discipline. Show industriousness. Have traditional values. The person you are is the person your child will become.
– John Wooden
If you are facing a divorce and are looking for a reputable family law firm, Stange Law Firm, PC can help. We focus exclusively on family law and have attorneys with the knowledge and experience to get you what you need in terms of child custody, child support, and other domestic relations issues.
To schedule a confidential half-hour consultation to meet with an attorney, call Stange Law Firm, PC at 855-805-0595 or visit us online.
Source: Wisdom for Dads, David Young’s Quote blog,http://wisdomfordads.com
Statistics: //www.fatherhood.gov/library/dad-stats
