LIFE BLACK DADS MATTER

Written by CHRIS A. MATTHEWS

Actor and comedian Kevin Hart said, “As a Black father, my priority is to be there for my kids, to show them love, and make sure they know that I’m always in their corner. Black dads are strong, caring, and important in their children’s lives.”

It has become a common stereotype that Black dads are not involved in their children’s lives, but research shows that isn’t true. The myth that Black dads are not involved stems from the statistic, that 70 percent of Black babies are born to unwed partners. Despite a large percentage of Black babies being born to fathers who aren’t married to their child’s mothers, the number of active non-residential Black dads are often not accounted for as active providers.

According to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 67 percent of African American fathers who don’t live with their children report having frequent contact with them. This demonstrates a significant level of involvement and a commitment to maintaining a strong relationship with their children despite living apart.

Furthermore, the National Center for Health Statistics reported that among non-residential fathers, African American dads are more likely than fathers from other racial and ethnic backgrounds to participate in activities with their children, such as playing sports, attending events, and helping with homework.

These data points emphasize that even when residing in different households, non-residential African American fathers make an effort to maintain an active and supportive presence in their children’s lives. Their involvement helps strengthen the parentchild bond and contributes to the overall well-being of their children. It is essential to recognize and appreciate the dedication of non-residential Black fathers, as they play a significant role in their children’s lives despite the challenges of not living together.

When Black fathers choose to be involved in the lives of their children, their positive involvement increases the mental health of the children as they transition into adulthood. High levels of paternal involvement have been linked to children demonstrating greater levels of self-control, self-esteem, and social maturity. Younger children who frequently engage with their fathers have fewer temper tantrums, aggression, overactivity, and non-compliance issues.

Black Dads’ Value in School Performance

Black dads have a significant impact on their children’s academic success. They actively encourage their kids to excel in school and they provide assistance with their kids’homework. Research published in the Journal of Negro Education reveals that when Black fathers are actively involved in their children’s education, their academic performance improves significantly. These children attain good grades, exhibit regular school attendance, and have higher graduation rates.

By emphasizing the importance of education, Black dads instill a strong belief in their children’s abilities and provide unwavering support throughout their academic journey.

The study goes on to highlight that Black dads go beyond helping with homework. They engage in conversations about educational goals, discuss future aspirations, and foster a positive attitude towards learning. By actively participating in their children’s academic lives, Black dads not only enhance their children’s academic achievements but also instill a lifelong love for learning. Their involvement serves as a powerful motivator, reinforcing the importance of education, as well as empowering their children to reach their full potential academi- cally and beyond.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama once said, “Black fathers are an integral part of the success of our children. They instill in them the belief that education is the key to unlocking their dreams and empower them to strive for excellence.”

Black Dads Take Care of Their Families

Black dads are committed to providing for their families and ensuring that their kids have everything they need. Despite negative stereotypes, many Black dads are responsible and dedicated to taking care of their loved ones. According to the Center for Urban Families, numerous Black fathers are the primary earners in their households, working hard to provide their families with a good life and a sense of security.

Award-winning actor Denzel Washington has spoken out about the importance of recognizing the positive impact of Black fathers. He emphasized that Black fathers are not only providers but also protectors who inspire their families to achieve greatness. By breaking down stereotypes and acknowledging the vital role of Black dads, we can help promote a positive image of Black fatherhood and highlight their valuable contributions to society as a whole.

The Value of Early Involvement

A 2009 study by Shannon, Cabrera, TamisLeMonda, and Lamb observed five-year longitudinal patterns and found that fathers who participated in supporting their babies’ mothers during prenatal doctor visits were the most likely to be involved within a five-year period after the child was born. The study further found that the riskiest time for fathers to dissolve their involvement was at the time of childbirth. These findings are consistent with other studies that show a direct correlation between the father’s involvement levels prior to birth and beyond the first five years of life.

The second most predicted time that fathers stop participating in the lives of their children was be- tween 60-65 months or prior to the start of kindergarten. Other studies validated these results by proving that fathers who form early attachments with their children are more likely to be involved later into the child’s life. The fathers that establish their involvement during the earlier stages are also more likely to remain involved in the case of divorce.

The chances for continued involvement increase the older the child is when the parents separate or dissolve their marriage, further illustrating the value of early father-child attachment. Research also supports that when fathers develop earlier relationships with their children, they have a better chance of moving away and then returning sometime later to repair the relationship with their child. This is in comparison to fathers who don’t develop an early relationship and seek to reenter into the child’s life.

Later Involvement

In 2007, researchers Hawkins, Amato, and King concluded that nonresidential fathers are less likely to be involved with their adolescent children if they hadn’t established relationships at an earlier stage. The same group of researchers also concluded that there is no significant evidence proving that nonresidential father’s involvement adds any benefit when the father attempts to reappear later in the child’s life.

However, this study supports prior research indicating that it’s important for non-residential fathers to establish and maintain strong involvement in the lives of their children during their earlier stages of life primarily because by the time a child has reached adolescence, they are more likely to shut their uninvolved father out of their lives equating to little benefit or added value.

Impact on Emotional and Social Well-being

Researchers McLanahan, Tach, and Schneider in 2013 reviewed 47 articles around father involvement and found that the most prevalent theme was associated with the negative effects father absenteeism has on stunting children’s emotional and social growth. Research depicts fathers as having a vital role within the family unit and proves that in their absence, several negative side effects become present that directly im- pact the well-being of their offspring. These negative effects weigh even heavier on children who experience the loss of paternal involvement during their earlier childhood years leading into adolescence.

Younger children have been found to have greater social and emotional challenges when they experience lower levels of father involvement earlier in life. This is in comparison to children who lose the involvement of their fathers later in life. However, the group that is most negatively impacted by the loss of father involvement are young males.

Involvement Impact on Sons

Studies show that young boys are at a far greater risk for bearing the negative effects brought on by uninvolved dads. Emotional challenges are found more in young males and continue into adolescence, which is a vital time when youth begin questioning their participation in risky behaviors such as drug use and sexual activity.

Researchers Carlson and Magnuson in 2011 also support the research around fathers’ impact on their sons. Their study shows that fathers have a stronger influence on their sons compared to their daughters because of gender identification. Gender identification is based on the premise that young males seek their fathers’ approval and desire to please them.

When involved fathers are willing to fully participate in their children’s lives, their influence directly and positively impacts the well-being of their kids. That’s why there is a strong need to seek ways to reduce the barriers between men being involved with their children. ●

Stress is attributed to significant health issues for Black men in general.