Social science data proves that loving fathers provide a vital dose of security and stability to their children and wives. When fathers are absent, children and moms suffer. For example, teenage pregnancy rates are up to eight times higher in girls who lack a dad's presence in early childhood. Children with engaged dads are half as likely to experience depression and only 25 percent as likely to drop out of school as children without dads. Single-parent mothering is the single greatest cause of childhood poverty.
A great gift to affirm the man in your life is the new book, "The Kind of Man Every Man Should Be: Taking a Stand for True Masculinity." Author Kevin McCullough brilliantly explains the high value that God places on fathers. Through chapters like "Behave with Dignity," "Act with Clarity" and "Love with Generosity," McCullough equips fathers to lead in spite of a culture that tells them not to. One of my favorite chapters is, "So Open the Door for Her Anyway." (Please do, gentlemen. Most women secretly love it!)
To good husbands and dads everywhere, thank you for what you contribute to your families and to society. And to wives and mothers, let's make sure we affirm the men in our lives and teach our children to respect them too. A good man is a priceless blessing from God. Let's remember to treat them like the treasures they are.
Rebecca Hagelin
Rebecca Hagelin is a public speaker on the family and culture and the author of the new best seller,
30 Ways in 30 Days to Save Your Family.
TOWNHALL DAILY: Be the first to read Rebecca Hagelin's column.
Sign up today and receive Townhall.com daily lineup delivered each morning to your inbox.