Numerous studies have shown that an absent father in a family has a significant impact on all troubling behavior in children. It may well be one of the most important single contributor causing the problem.

The reasons vary on why fathers are absent such as

• Separation or divorce
• Second families
• Death
• Overseas or long distance workplace
• Unplanned pregnancy

photo credit: Army.mil

Being the main male role model in the family, the effects can be serious. For example,

• The single mom will face a huge challenge parenting alone.

• The child will grow up affected by the fact that he was abandoned by an important person. The feeling of not being good enough or rejected will stay on as he grows.

• To a girl, when an important male abandons her, she may grow up believing that men cannot be trusted.

• A single female parent may face difficulty in dealing with an adolescent child.

Statistics show that one in five children is living with a single parent. Teen pregnancy and single parenthood are also on the rise. These cases may be the result of a marriage breakdown. In such a case, parents have to work hard on their marriage relationship and maintain their family unity in order to avoid falling into any of the situation above.