Fathers play a unique and irreplaceable role in ensuring the economic, emotional, and social health of children. Father absence creates turmoil in the lives of children and our culture.
All children deserve a loving father who is actively engaged in their life. Sadly, many children do not have such fathers. Some of these children do not have involved fathers because the fathers simply don’t care. However, in many cases it is because their fathers lack sound parenting skills or because obstacles prevent meaningful interaction. Some states and communities are working to remedy these dilemmas in order to reconnect father with their children. Michigan should follow the lead of these other states and help men become responsible fathers for their children.