A DEAD FATHER

Alabi Ayodeji Olawale
3 min readSep 18, 2023

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A DEAD FATHER

Introduction

The idea of fatherhood has undergone substantial change in the complicated world of today. Even if the traditional roles of dads as providers and enforcers of rules remain, modern fathers are more expected to be loving and emotionally engaged. However, there is a sad reality that we must face: some fathers are essentially “good as dead” in the lives of their children. To ensure the welfare of families, this article examines the effects of absentee parenting as well as the need to solve this problem.

A Growing Concern: The Absent Father

A parent who is physically present but emotionally or psychologically absent from his children’s lives is known as an absentee father. This absence can appear in several forms, including neglect, boredom, addiction, or just a general unwillingness to participate in their children’s upbringing. Absentee parenthood can have negative, long-lasting effects.

Mental scars

Children who have absent fathers in their lives frequently have emotional wounds. They could experience severe feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and feelings of being unloved. An absent father’s emotional emptiness might cause lifelong problems with developing good relationships and having faith in other people.

Behavioral Issues

Children who don’t have strong male role models are more likely to participate in risky behaviors, including drug misuse, criminality, and early sexual involvement, according to research. Children who lack a father figure may resort to dangerous means in their quest for approval and direction.

Academic Difficulties

Children of absent fathers frequently struggle academically, which might result in school and college dropouts. The lack of a dominant male presence can have an impact on

The absentee parenting cycle

Unfortunately, the pattern of absentee parenting frequently continues. Future generations will continue to experience emotional neglect and detachment as a result of fatherlessness since children of absent fathers are more likely to go on to become absent parents themselves.

Taking on the Problem

For the benefit of families and society as a whole, the problem of absent fathers must be addressed. The following actions can be taken to encourage absent fathers to become more involved and accountable in their children’s lives:

Fathers can gain the skills and knowledge necessary to be involved and loving parents by receiving parenting education and tools.

Support Systems: Developing support systems for fathers helps connect them with other fathers going through comparable difficulties, giving them a sense of community and inspiration.
Counseling and therapy: By providing absentee fathers with counseling and therapy services, you may help them deal with their emotional problems and improve their connections with their kids.
Legal Reforms: Enacting legal changes, such as shared custody agreements, that encourage fathers to participate actively in their children’s lives can help lessen absentee parenting.
Conclusion

A lifetime of emotional and psychological harm can be left in the wake of fathers who are “good as dead” in their children’s lives. Society must acknowledge the value of active fatherhood and take action to assist fathers in their roles. Dealing with the problem

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Alabi Ayodeji Olawale
Alabi Ayodeji Olawale

Written by Alabi Ayodeji Olawale

Content developer | Copywriting | Digital marketer

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