Fatherless

Many children and youth are living in homes where the father is absent and the mother is trying to raise the children without the support of her male spouse. God’s model for a family is for both the husband and wife to be

Children without a father are disadvantaged

actively involved in the training and upbringing of their children. Boys especially, without an adult male role model will suffer emotionally and in their development. This disadvantage, of not having a loving male in the home who can help direct their life, reveals itself today in the disproportional numbers of such juveniles doing poorly at school and getting into a life of crime. Being involved in the welfare of orphans (children without one or both parents) is commendable, and reflects God’s heart of compassion (Ps 68:5, 82:3; Jas 1:27).

Enormous damage results from children being fatherless. Statics show they are more probable 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. Sometimes the father, even if present is totally detached from engaging in the lives of his children, working excessively long hours or involved in other pursuits and pastimes.

See also: father, orphans, single parenting.