The Effects Of Growing Up Fatherless

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The effects of growing up fatherless Across time and cultures, fathers have always been considered essential-and not for their sperm. The nuclear family, mother, father and children are the most universal social institutions in existence. It is much easier for a father to take on motherly roles, than a mother to act like a father. Having a loving and involved father can lead to lifelong emotional rewards for a child. Unfortunately, the opposite can be said about an absentee father. From an infant’s birth weight to a young adults sexual behavior, every aspect of a person’s life is affected by his or hers fathers absence. The impact of a missing father is felt before the child is even born. Even from birth, children who have an involved father are more likely to be emotionally secure, be confident to explore their surroundings, and as they grow older, have a better connection with their peers. These children are also less likely to get into trouble at home, school or in their neighborhood. Infants who receive high levels of affection from their fathers are more securely attached; that is, they can explore their environment comfortably when a parent is nearby and can readily accept comfort from their parent after a brief separation. A number of studies suggest they are also more sociable and popular with other children throughout early childhood. There is a greater chance for infant mortality with an absent father, and the infant is at greater risk of having a low birth weight. Single mothers are more likely to smoke and less likely to seek proper prenatal care. Single mothers are less likely to breastfeed. Children without a father present have more developmental delays. They are more likely to be academic underachievers, to be truant and to abuse drugs and alcohol. They are more apt to be antisocial and will have greater
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