Fatherhood: An Endangered Species?

A father is a male parent or a male figure who plays a paternal role in a child’s life. He is typically the biological father, but can also be an adoptive father, stepfather, foster father, or a male guardian. A father is often seen as a source of guidance and direction, support and encouragement, love and nurturing, discipline, role modelling and mentorship, as well as  provision and protection. A father’s presence can have a profound impact on children’s lives, shaping their values, beliefs, and personalities. It  can also be a source of strength, comfort, and inspiration, helping the children navigate life’s challenges and celebrate  triumphs. Being a father is not just about biology; it is about being present, involved, and committed to a child’s well-being and development. Fathers come in many forms, and their roles and responsibilities can vary widely depending on cultural, social, and personal contexts.
A family without a father therefore, is like a ship without a captain, lost and drifting aimlessly. It is a family without a sense of security, stability, and guidance. It is a family where the children lack a male role model, emotional support, and a sense of identity. It is a family that is vulnerable, broken, and in need of healing. Like a garden without a gardener, such family would lack care and nourishment. Suffice it to say that  children  who grow up without a father figure in their life, remain  like a puzzle with a missing piece, incomplete and imperfect. They are not only more likely to suffer from low self-esteem and depression, but  are also more prone to anxiety and stress-related disorders. This deficiency traits haunt them  all through life to the point that their immediate environments, and society at large are not exonerated from devastating effects of their distorted lifestyles.    The rise of single-parent households and the increasing number of absent fathers have further exacerbated the problem.
This is why God did not consider it an error placing man to be called father, as the head of the family, to teach children valuable life skills, such as discipline, hard work, and responsibility, shaping their values and beliefs. But when a home actually has a male figure called father and yet the offsprings have nothing to show for it, it becomes a cause to worry about. Have we taken time to observe that we seem to be living in a generation that begats sons and daughters who act and behave like they have never felt the touch of a father? Does it really concern us that what once bothered on morals and integrity no longer count in our own time?  From the leaders down to the led, adults and infants, that sense of culture and homeliness which depict a fulfilled assignment of a father appears missing, leaving a question mark on the position of the supposed fatherly role in the life of a child. Today, we have grown-ups without initiatives, political thugs, whore mongers, criminals and corrupt individuals in high and low places who have lost consciousness of their self worth. To these ones, discipline and decorum are thrown to the winds.
It may not be out of place to state that changing social norms and cultural values, in addition to economic pressures and work-related stress have forced fathers to become disconnected from their families even when they are not miles away from home. These are underlying issues that need be addressed to create an environment conducive enough to get fathers involved. When fatherhood, a once revered and sacred institution, begins to gradually become an endangered species, the traditional family structure, that once served as the  backbone of society, starts crumbling. This trend has far-reaching consequences, affecting not only families but also society as a whole. The absence of fathers does not only have  a profound impact on children’s emotional and psychological well-being, its consequences  are far-reaching and devastating. We must recognise the importance of fathers in shaping their children’s mental health and take steps to ensure their involvement. Fatherhood is not just a biological tie; it is a nurturing and guiding force. Fathers provide stability, security, and love, essential for a child’s growth and development. We must acknowledge the significance of fathers and strive to preserve this vital institution.
The decline of fatherhood has both social and economic implications. Apart from homes being   prone  to experience poverty, and  children  less likely to have access to resources and opportunities, such as education and job training, it predisposes the society to crime, and social unrest, while registering  profound impact on community cohesion and social stability. This is why  it  warrants attention and action. Moreso, studies have shown that children without fathers are more likely to suffer from emotional and behavioural problems. They are also more prone to substance abuse and criminal behaviour. Fatherlessness is a ticking time bomb, threatening the very fabric of our society. We must take immediate action to address this crisis and restore the dignity of fatherhood. This can only be achieved by recognising the value of fathers and encouraging their involvement in family life.
More can still be achieved through initiatives that promote father-child bonding, such as parenting classes and support groups. We must also create opportunities for fathers to connect with their children, through activities and programmes that foster meaningful relationships. Fatherhood is not just a personal choice, but a social responsibility. Fathers have a duty to provide for their children, to protect them, and to teach them distinquish right from wrong. The revival of fatherhood requires a cultural shift. We must challenge traditional gender roles and stereotypes, recognising the importance of fathers in family life. We must also create opportunities for fathers to connect with their children, through activities and programmes that foster meaningful relationships.