Fatherly Absence Is Devastating For Children

Today, there are many children who grow up without their fathers in their lives. There are many factors that lead to fathers’ absence or abandonment.

But one thing is true: Children almost always suffer the consequences of growing up without their father.

The consequences for children growing up without their fathers

If a child experiences the abandonment of his or her father, he or she may have certain problems as they grow up. Problems may include the following:

Low self-esteem due to paternal absence

School children who grow up without one of their parents often lack self-confidence. This is the stage where they become aware of the father figure and become aware of his absence. But they lack the maturity to understand the reason behind this difficult reality.

It is also at this stage that children subconsciously seek a father figure in another person. This could be a grandparent, uncle or other important person in their life.

Behavioral difficulties

It is common for children growing up without their fathers to develop rebellious behavior. The child may refuse to obey and find it difficult to bond with their classmates and teachers. They can also be emotionally unstable.

Low academic achievement

The lack of the father’s attention to the child has such an impact that it affects academic activities. Children often have difficulty concentrating, and are apathetic about completing schoolwork and lack motivation in general.

Lack of identity due to paternal absence

Children achieve their physical and emotional development within their family circle. But if a parent is missing, then the child will have a hard time relating to his family and feeling safe.

As a result, it is difficult for the child to develop certain abilities and maintain relationships in society.

Other difficulties, such as a child growing up without a father, can include anxiety, anger and guilt. In addition, the child may experience a feeling of abandonment, isolation, depression and have difficulty coping with stressful situations.

These children often feel overwhelmed by feelings of loneliness and abandonment.

Conflicts as a child who suffers from being abandoned by his parents can last a lifetime.

As a result, this creates a vicious circle – many children who grew up without parents also leave their own children. At the same time, they are more prone to substance abuse or dependence on other harmful substances from an early age.

Are children growing up without their fathers different from other children?

Although all cases are unique, children who have both their parents present in their lives tend to be more stable. They usually perform better than children who have not had the opportunity to grow up with both their fathers.

However, there are mothers who raise their children alone and provide everything they need. These children can develop normally and function perfectly in society.

What is the cause of paternal absence?

The reason why a father is far away from his children is different in each family. In some cases, it may be due to the death of the parent.

It could also be due to illness, divorce or the fact that the parents work far from home. Another common problem of parental absence is due to substance abuse.

At the same time, even mothers and fathers who are raising their children may be emotionally absent. Although physically present, they do not fulfill their role as mentors and references, nor do they provide stability or security to their children.

This often includes parents who get up very early to go to work and return very late in the evening. They are unaware of the emotional damage they are causing in their children’s lives.

They do not participate in their child’s various developmental processes. They do not strengthen the bond that the child needs to feel loved.

How to avoid feelings of abandonment in children

Keeping a child from suffering the consequences of growing up without a father is difficult, but not impossible. The child needs support from the rest of his or her family. Family members must come together to create a safe and secure environment where the child is valued.

Although a father can never be fully replaced, the child can find a father figure to represent him.

This could be a grandfather, uncle, teacher or another adult who is close to the family and the child. That way, the child does not experience the same feelings of abandonment and may develop a healthy self-esteem.

The consequences of growing up far away from a parent can be devastating to a child. Therefore, it is extremely important to help them avoid feelings of abandonment and frustration.