Ever since the result of the Casey Anthony case, there seems to be a flash flood of mothers making the news because of the harm they have caused their children, as if the media is trying to find a new love affair.
For example, there was the woman who used her kid as a weapon on a Toronto bus, another tried drowning herself and her child in a river, another woman locked a child in her custody in a closet, and a woman in Perth who flung her child into random objects. All of these are sick and disgusting acts, all of which I am sure is related to some sort of mental illness or chemical imbalance.
However, in each and every one of these scenarios, I was left asking: where is the father? In each of these news stories there was no reference to the dad.
Now I do realize that since 2007 in Canada there have been more non-traditional families, such as single parents or cohabitation, than traditional families. However, not a lot has changed in the production of a baby.
Fathers can, do and must play an important role in the raising and development of a child. Even in the case of a separated couple. However, there have been too many instances of children being born without a father. Once the girlfriend is pregnant, the man runs off.
It's interesting that in this day and age of birth contraceptives to protect woman from unwanted pregnancies, single women are the ones who are falling victim to birthing a child from an unwanted pregnancy.
Men, it is time to step up. It is time to be father. Twenty-three of your chromosomes make up that child. That child may look like you, may act like you, may have your facial features, but you will never know if you are not involved.
Having a child requires sacrifice, a choice that was made when you decided to tango with your partner. You may have to spend less time with the TV or computer and more time at work or furthering your education so that you can help provide for the child. You will have to be more engaged at home in creating an environment that is conducive to learning, growth and love.
Fathers, be involved in your child's life. They will only be little once; don't miss it. They will only have one first tooth, first day of school, first date and so on. Be there.
As a father you become a superhero. You are the strongest most handsome man to your child. You are invincible in their eyes. You know all the answers. You are purely awesome. You are the rock of support.
If you have lost connection with your children, attempt to reconnect with them on their schedule. If you are becoming a father, get help in the transition and know that your nine-month pregnancy begins at the birth.
Come on fathers, let us be super heroes!
