Brett H. Pritchard Makes Strong Argument Supporting Fathers

Brett H. Pritchard recently published a powerful article on LinkedIn that encourages better support for the relationship between fathers and their children after a split. Texas has a mixed record when it comes to a father’s access to their children and the article makes it clear that that needs to change. The father’s role is essential in helping a child to remain well-adjusted and to help them become a contributing member of society.

Family Challenges for the Father

Pritchard makes it clear that the majority of dad’s have to settle for a noncustodial relationship with their child. More than 80% of children live with their mothers and that is not likely to change any time soon. That doesn’t mean the courts can’t do better encouraging fathers to continue developing a positive relationship with their children. If this is going to happen, custody agreements have to be more equitable – a visit with dad every other weekend isn’t enough.

As the article points out, not having a good relationship with their father can lead a child down the wrong path. They may become involved in various antisocial behaviors. This can be avoided if the relationship with their father is encouraged and supported. Having a better bond with their father won’t ensure a child will succeed in life, but it helps.

Grades Improve

Something positive happens when a child has a loving relationship with both parents – they tend to do better in school. The positive role that dad can play in a child’s life can not be overstated. This applies for boys and girls equally. That’s why Brett H. Pritchard finds it so hard to understand why more isn’t being done to make sure that the father/child bond is strengthened through court support.

When a girl has both her father and mother to support her, she will tend to do well in every subject including math. She’ll have a better chance at breaking through the glass ceiling and taking a career path that may include non-traditional choices such as aerospace. That positive relationship with her father nurtures confidence to succeed.

In another article on the Brett Pritchard Family blog, Pritchard argues that a good relationship with dad is just as important for young boys. They perform better at school and there is a better chance that they’ll attend college. 71% of children that drop out of high school come from a home without a father’s influence. That’s a clear indication of how important the male role model is in a child’s life.

Developing Social Skills

Children with a dad do not just do better in school – they also fit in better. Pritchard acknowledges that it’s always a difficult adjustment for children when their parents separate – that does not change even when the father remains a part of their life. It does give them a better chance at moving forward though.

Raising a child by herself is hard on a mother. Without the father providing support, the children will often act out and many run away from the situation. According to Pritchard, most runaways come from homes without a father. These children have simply lost their way.

They find it difficult to fit in and they are more prone to antisocial behavior. This can lead to unhealthy relationships and it may even lead them to a life of crime. When the father is around, they have a better chance of avoiding these outcomes.

Children Need a Dad

As Brett H. Pritchard points out on several occasions, children need both their parents. Separations are going to happen – it’s the job of the state to make sure that the relationship with both parents has the chance to remain strong in the aftermath.