Raising a child is never easy. They demand every morsel of time, attention and resources you can offer. And they rarely – if ever – say, “thank you.” And, while the love, joy and fulfillment outweigh the challenges, having a partner makes the road less bumpy, the destination more attainable and the outcome brighter for the whole family.
Sadly, the U.S. Census Bureau reports 1-in-3 children live without their biological father in the home. And that absence has a huge impact on how children grow and develop.
According to Fatherhood.org, children raised without a father in the home are four times more likely to live in poverty, seven times more likely to conceive their own children as teens, and two times more likely to drop out of school.
So, what are the positive impacts of having two loving parents in the home?
A 2009 Cornell University study showed children who live with married, biological parents are less likely to participate in risky behaviors, less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol and less likely to be sexually active at a young age.
Besides the positive long-term impacts, the in-the-moment benefits of dual-parenting can’t be overstated. Having someone to share the daily chores of diaper changing, bottle warming, laundry folding, house cleaning and baby burping allows critical moments to rest and recharge.
Of course, adjusting to the realities of an unexpected pregnancy can potentially throw any relationship into turmoil. Even telling a boyfriend you’re pregnant can feel like the challenge of a lifetime. The key is to speak openly and honestly as you convey how critical his involvement is for the development of your child and the future of your lives together.
If you’re in the midst of an unplanned pregnancy, and trying to imagine the road ahead for you and you baby, Sira can help. We offer family training classes to allow you and/or your child’s father to talk through issues, while envisioning a life that gives you and your baby the best opportunity to grow and achieve together.
Whether you’re an expectant mother, a new mom, or even a dad looking to connect with you child, contact Sira today at 352-377-4947. Our peer counselors look forward to talking with you.