Father Absence Effects

Our mission is to champion fatherhood and encourage men to be the loving and strong leaders that they're created to be.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 17.8 million children, nearly 1 in 4, live without a biological, step, or adoptive father in the home.* That’s enough children to fill New York City twice or Los Angeles four times over. Research shows that a father's absence affects children in numerous unfortunate ways, while a father's presence makes a positive difference in the lives of both children and mothers.

*U.S. Census Bureau. (2023). Living arrangements of children under 18 years old: 1960 to present. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Census Bureau.

1. Academic Achievement:

Children who have involved fathers tend to perform better academically. They are more likely to achieve higher grades and demonstrate better cognitive development. (Source: Sarkadi, A., Kristiansson, R., Oberklaid, F., & Bremberg, S. (2008). Fathers' involvement and children's developmental outcomes: A systematic review of longitudinal studies. Acta Paediatrica, 97(2), 153-158.)

2. Emotional Well-being:

Children with involved fathers often exhibit better emotional well-being, including higher self-esteem and a lower risk of developing mental health issues. (Source: Flouri, E., & Buchanan, A. (2004). The role of father involvement in children's later mental health. Journal of Adolescence, 27(5), 601-611.)

3. Social Development:

Positive father involvement is associated with better social skills and a lower likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors during adolescence. (Source: Amato, P. R., & Gilbreth, J. G. (1999). Nonresident fathers and children's well-being: A meta-analysis. Journal of Marriage and Family, 61(3), 557-573.)

4. Reduced Delinquency:

Adolescents with actively involved fathers are less likely to engage in delinquent behaviors and criminal activities. (Source: Flouri, E., & Buchanan, A. (2003). The role of father involvement in children's later delinquency. British Journal of Criminology, 43(2), 167-195.)

5. Positive Behavioral Outcomes:

Children who experience positive fatherhood involvement are more likely to exhibit prosocial behavior, cooperation, and better peer relationships. (Source: Carlson, M. J., & Magnuson, K. (2011). Low-income fathers' influence on children. The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 635(1), 95-116.)

6. Educational Attainment:

Father involvement is positively correlated with higher educational attainment in children. Children with supportive fathers are more likely to pursue higher education. (Source: Nord, C., & West, J. (2001). Fathers' and mothers' involvement in their children's schools by family type and resident status. U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics.)