The craziness of life has a strange way of making us feel insignificant. When the mistakes pile up, change overwhelms us, and stress thickens, we can easily crave giving up. As a dad, that can never be an option.
You are too important to give up on your family. Dads are superheroes. The impact of you being present in the home is exponential. Just look at some of these statistics (for the U.S.).
• Households without a father are 4 times more likely to live below the poverty line.
• Kids without a dad at home are twice as likely to drop out of school.
• Kids without a dad at home are twice as likely to commit suicide.
• Kids without a dad at home are more likely to commit crime and go to prison.
• Girls without a dad at home are 7 times more likely to become pregnant as a teen.
• 90% of homeless and runaway children did not have a dad in the home.
The data continue, and they are saddening. However, I think you can get the picture with these few statistics. A dad in the home keeps the family above poverty. A dad in the home helps children see the value of the home and keeps them off the streets. A dad in the home helps children see the value of living honestly. A dad in the home helps children value their education. A dad in the home helps daughters value themselves and their bodies. A dad in the home helps children see their own individual value and helps them cherish their lives.
You are important, essential, and mandatory. Your family needs you. The power of your presence alone radically impacts your family but imagine what happens when you put forth an effort and truly embrace your identity as a dad. The possibilities are limitless.
I know we are broken, and we are the most aware of our shortcomings and failures, but we have an opportunity despite all those things. We are heroes and our very presence brings value, stability, and life. Be the hero you actually are. Be super dad and be proud of it.