[b]Fatherhood is beyond bringing forth a child, paying their way through life and providing other material support. Fathers play an important role in the lives of their children. In fact I dare say one of the tests of real fatherhood lies in the ability to help your child maximise their potentials to the fullest through conscious efforts which includes guidance, support etc.
To put this in perspective let’s look at a few statistics :
• Over 90% of all runaway and homeless kids are from fatherless homes.
• 85% of children who exhibit behavioural disorders are from fatherless homes.
• 71% of secondary school drop outs are from fatherless homes.
• 70% of youths in prison are from fatherless homes. ( Wilson 1999) *
( US Department of Justice)

Unfortunately this is one area where a lot of fathers are finding it challenging to make an impact for a number of reasons. There are fathers who believe that this role is beyond them. They feel inadequate and unqualified because they do not occupy any seemingly high position in society. But fathers as mentors is about transmitting values such as honesty, integrity, faithfulness, hard work , etc to their children. Remember children learn a lot from what they see and so it is imperative that fathers lead by example. By being mentors to their children, fathers are also helping to raise a nation of good citizens as their children go on to become peer mentors.
Mentoring is not only an official / formal engagement as some have to come to see it. It is not for the non -governmental organizations alone or some other blue chip establishments. Within the family context it is one of the surest ways of ensuring that good values are well entrenched in the society via transference .
Today’s kids are going to need more than the basic education they are currently receiving to make any meaningful impact on their generation. They are going to need mentors – fathers as mentors.

Sina Adelaja-Olowoake
Parenting Strategies Consultant
The Hands On Daddy Initiative
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Good post. A child needs both father and mother to become a balanced individual.

Although a mother’s love is undoubtedly irreplaceable, children need their fathers to develop healthily, too.
Reports show that even from birth, children who have an involved father are more likely to be emotionally secure, be confident to explore their surroundings, and, as they grow older, have better social connections.

That is why a father needs to create time for his kids despite his tight schedule.

eleojo23:
Good post. A child needs both father and mother to become a balanced individual.

Although a mother’s love is undoubtedly irreplaceable, children need their fathers to develop healthily, too.
Reports show that even from birth, children who have an involved father are more likely to be emotionally secure, be confident to explore their surroundings, and, as they grow older, have better social connections.

That is why a father needs to create time for his kids despite his tight schedule.

You are spot on with your valued response. Most children need the two parents to effectively maximise their potentials. A child with a father that is involved will enjoy an extra buzz.