June 15, 2007

Giving back on Father’s Day

By Congressman Joe Pitts

Millions of Americans will take time this Sunday to thank their fathers for the influence they’ve had in their lives.  Rightfully so – dads deserve appreciation for what they do.

As I take the time to reflect on how much my own father has meant to my life, and how much I’ve profited from his wisdom and guidance, I’m struck by a very simple truth: Fathers are important.

This fact was acknowledged in Congress this week when the House unanimously approved a resolution recognizing “the immeasurable contribution of fathers in the development of children.”  It’s also why I’ve been proud to partner with the National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI) over the years to encourage dads to play an active and supporting role in their kids’ lives.

NFI has collected a tremendous body of research on the role fathers play in a family and in society.  If there was any doubt about the importance of active fathers in the lives of children, consider some of the following statistics.

-          Children raised in homes without a father are five times more likely to live in poverty.

-          Kids in father-absent homes are much more likely to go to jail than those raised in mother-father families.  Kids who have never had a father in their lives are the most likely to end up in jail.

-          Girls raised without a father are at greater risk of having a teen pregnancy. 

-          A study involving both U.S. and New Zealand kids found a higher likelihood of early sexual activity among kids without fathers.

-          A Columbia University study found that teens in single-mother households are 30 percent more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol than kids in two-parent homes.

-          Information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shows that kids without fathers are twice as likely to drop out of school.

There are countless single mothers working hard every day to successfully raise a family on their own.  Thank goodness for these moms, but they shouldn’t have to do it all by themselves.  Fathers have an important role to play.

Sadly, there are 24 million kids in America today that are growing up in homes without fathers.  That will have a big impact on these kids’ lives, as well as the strength and stability of the communities where they live.

I recently participated in a Capitol Hill press conference with NFI to help launch a program aimed at meeting the needs of America’s fatherless children.  It’s called the Double Duty Dad program, and it has wonderful potential to enrich kids’ lives. 

This program asks experienced dads to take some time to mentor kids who don’t have their own dad involved in their lives.  Any dad can pull double duty and help out.  Whether you’ve got kids of your own and you’re learning as you go, or you’re an old pro with grown kids who are no longer under your roof, if you’re a dad, you’ve got the experience NFI is looking for.

From changing diapers, to teaching a kid a hobby, or helping out with homework, dads know what it takes to raise children.  Volunteering to be a Double Duty Dad can provide the kind of positive influence a kid would otherwise not have.

Anyone interested in becoming a Double Duty Dad can find more info at www.fatherhood.org/doubledutydad. 

If you’re a dad who has been blessed with a loving father in your own life, you understand how important your job is.  This Father’s Day, I hope you’ll take the time to not only thank your dad for his love and support, but to consider helping out a kid who needs a dad of their own.

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