There is a lot of talk about what will make America better.
Now, a long-time truth is coming to the surface and has become the “trend” in discussions about correcting the course of our nation. That truth is this: Good dads can change America for the better.
Positive change doesn’t begin in Congress, it begins in the home. America will only begin to see positive change when the family unit heals and becomes strong. And that can only happen when we once again return to Biblical values, strong marriages, and the raising of children in a solid, happy home. Fathers are a critical part of this home!
The research is in. It’s no longer debatable. We need dads! This Father’s Day, we think it’s high time we share why good dads can change America for the better.
1. Good Dads Create Happy Kids
Studies show that kids with dads who are actively involved in their lives have lower stress levels and much lower rates of depression, suicide, and self-harm.
With the current epidemic of loneliness and depression among America’s youth, having a dad in the home and engaged can change America for the better by producing a strong generation of future leaders.
Good dads create happy kids and it shows in their overall social and academic success. Research has also found that dads who spend regular time alone with their children produce compassionate adults, something we need more of in America.
Happy kids will make for a generation of kind and compassionate Americans—a generation that will hopefully view life through the lens of right and wrong.
2. Homes With Dads Have Successful Kids
Two-parent homes where a dad is present and engaged statistically raise the most successful kids. Fewer than half of children in the U.S. live in a household with both parents in a first marriage.
Research shows the following about kids raised in two-parent homes:
- They are less likely to take drugs.
- They are less likely to commit crimes.
- They are less likely to engage in sexually promiscuous behavior.
- They do better in school and are less likely to drop out.
- They become more financially secure adults.
The stability of a two-parent home does far more for children than we may ever know. Engaged dads bring something to the table moms don’t —and vice versa. God designed it that way. And He designed the family to be strong with both a mother and a father.
Kids who have avoided damaging behaviors and succeeded in school are set up to be the next generation of strong leaders, which will make for a better America.
3. Good Dads are Fun
Moms are known for nurturing. Dads are known for fun.
Dads play differently with their children than moms. Dads are often more physical and vigorous during playtime. And while mom is tending to the needs of the household, dad has no problem stopping what he’s doing to play, wrestle or just hang out.
Father-son wrestling has been shown to be a bonding experience, and an expression of trust and love. It also gives kids the quality time with dad they need. It also helps them exercise self-control and learn to interact positively with others.
Absent dads create anger and resentment in kids and teens, which in turn negatively impacts society. But when good dads are engaged and take the time to have fun with their kids—invest in them—they create self-assured young adults who contribute positively to America’s culture.
4. Good Dads Promote Good Behavior
The look, the “I’ll turn this car around,” and the promise of a good punishment sure gets kids to behave well!
Research shows that children with dads in their lives are more likely to behave well. Dads promote good behavior because they naturally stand in the role of disciplinarian. When that discipline is firm and fair, it is very healthy for kiddos and creates quality people to serve as the next generation of leaders in America.
When dads stand strong in their expectations for behavior, kids and teens feel secure and learn the much-needed skills to succeed in life. Thanks, Dad!
5. Good Dads Build Confidence
The more dads interact with their kids, the more the children develop a strong self-esteem. It’s a wonderful, natural result of a dad being present in the lives of his children.
Dads help kids feel confident just by being present. Encouraging words make them even more so. Conversely, children who don’t have a dad in their lives struggle with self-doubt even into adulthood.
6. Good Dads are Spiritual Leaders
Fathers are called to be the spiritual leaders of the home. When good dads step into their calling, it changes families—and America will only begin to see positive change when the family is strengthened from within.
Good dads are spiritual leaders who take their families to church, teach their children biblical principles, pray with their children, and instill in them a love of God and country.
7. Good Dads Tell “Good” Jokes
We have no scientific research to back this up. And this may be highly debatable. Can dad jokes change America? Probably not. But we’ll venture to say that good dad jokes are part of a good family life.
Even if they aren’t good or funny—for some reason, we love them anyway!
Good dads tell good jokes. Not because they are fresh and clever (they’re typically quite corny!), but because they’re meant just for us. Dad jokes remind kids (and moms, too!) that we never need to take life too seriously and that there’s always something to smile about.
Find some funny dad jokes HERE.
At House of Hope, we are so grateful for dads. We’re thankful for how good dads are changing the culture in America and ensuring a strong future by raising the next generation. And we’re honored to have the opportunity to show honor, love, and respect to fathers everywhere.
Happy Father’s Day!
