Today's featured article focuses on the need and importance of fathers in the lives of children. Written by Julia Steiny. She is a former member of the Providence School Board, consults for government agencies and schools; she is co-director of Information Works!, Rhode Island’s school-accountability project.
Some Highlights . . .
Glantz’s review of the research shows that the consequences of fatherlessness include:
• Higher risk of poverty
• Higher risk of abuse and neglect
• Increased rates of juvenile delinquency
• Increased substance abuse
• Earlier sexual activity
• Higher dropout rates
• Lower grade-point average
• Lower college aspirations
Why are fathers so absent, sidelined or marginalized? Apparently, child-welfare systems have been part of the problem.
“Dad’s love is valuable like nothing else.”
“Dad’s help transition kids into reality.”
“Moms hold on tight, protectively. Dads let go and encourage healthy risk, while still being reassuring.”
Conclusions . . .
Don’t misunderstand. Glantz says, “Fathers are not the end-all, be-all in a child’s life, but they are a critical piece. Father is a little piece of every kid. I would be advocating for mothers if they were as marginalized as dads.”
So however angry, resentful or blaming we may feel toward errant parents of either sex, Glantz reminds us they are still our best allies when trying to help kids succeed.
Read the full article here . . . Let’s talk about importance of fathers in children’s lives
As it relates to this court (or the Wa Courts for that matter)
the question must be asked "Why are alienating mothers allowed to separate good dads from children?" This court does this routinely even when GAL reports are favorable (which is rare when they are in the same club and go to the same indoctrination programs) and the dad is found to be fit and involved. They do it even when abuse is identified in the woman and then rationalized by the commish or judge. This court will take a father out of children's lives even when there is no abuse found or even alleged against the father despite what the State Law (RCWs) clearly state regarding this practice. The higher courts uphold this judicial behavior and bias, as well. Is it the millions (of $$$$s) the state makes off of DCS collection and money transfers? No dad = maximum financial benefit to the state. Is it the legal fees to the lawyers (and judges)? Is it the women's advocacy funds (from public tax dollars) generated by propped up findings? Is it the federal DV/VAWA funding to the county and courts? OR . . . Is it just a clear case of gender bias in the Wa Courts comprised mostly of women and feminized males that are a product of the feminist revolution generation? Is it the multitude of programs that they have to support by ordering unwilling participants with coercion and taking the children hostage and using them as leverage and power against dads? I think there is a multitude of reasons of which is, not in the least, some very warped socio-political agendas. If you were to audit this court, how many times would you see the court or the family law attorneys in this court raise the issue of a man being white, successful, republican, conservative, Christian or military? At the top, though, follow the money trails. It's not hard to see why this court does what it does.
However, once the power trip has worn off from crushing your ex-husband in this court, the next question has to be asked . . . "Why would any caring and loving mother do this to their child?" That's the one question that stumps me the most. It will back fire on them when the kids grow up and get a mind of their own. They, at some level, surely realize this. I have personally met some great women over the last few years that carry the scar of fatherlessness or absent fathers from childhood with them into adulthood. Despite many great attributes and characteristics, this scar still affects them deeply to this day and every day going forward. Why would anyone intentionally and purposely do this to another person?
Growing up without a mom would be just as devastating, I'm sure. I love my mom dearly and recognize her many contributions to my life. I would never take a mom away from a child. I wish and pray that all people can separate their past differences, divorce and hatred for their ex-spouse from the children's needs and desires. It doesn't matter who you think is wrong or right from your past marriage. It is the PAST. No child deserves to be used as a pawn by this court or by an alienating parent. The other parent is still thier mom or dad forever even if they are not your spouse any longer. Putting your needs above the children's is not being a good parent. In fact, it can be argued to be child abuse. It is never too late to do the right thing. Seek wise and Godly counsel, not an attorney. Good luck and God bless.
“Fatherlessness is a wound that doesn’t go away."
