Absentee Dads : Can Their Children Break The Cycle

The developed world is facing a new and pervasive problem-absentee dads. Children, specifically boys, who grow up without a father figure face many more obstacles than their counterparts whose fathers are present. These “father-absents” lack positive male role models and must look to their mothers for both a masculine and feminine influence-a role that many are not able to play well especially considering the added stress of single parenthood.

I.L. Lorrie examines the trends in the developed world, postulates three hypothetical, but extremely common, case studies, and discusses possible solutions to this growing concern. Much can be done to improve the quality of life and the emotional development of father-absents, and if the unfortunate children in these situations can be taught to cope effectively, they have a much greater chance of breaking the cycle and participating in happy, healthy families as present parents.