Absence Of The Father: The Consequences For Children

Today there are many children growing up without their father around. There are numerous factors that can lead to the abandonment or absence of the father.

One thing is true, however: children almost always suffer the consequences of growing up without a father. 

The consequences for children growing up without a father

If a child is abandoned by his father, he may grow up with certain problems. We have described some of those problems below.

Low self-esteem

School-age children who grow up without one of their parents often lack self-confidence. This is the period when they become aware of the father figure and his absence. However, they are not yet mature enough to understand the reason behind this difficult reality.

It is also during this period that children unconsciously look for a father figure in other persons. This could be a grandfather, an uncle or other important person in their life.

Behavioral problems

It is common for a child growing up in the absence of the father to display rebellious behavior. The child is disobedient and has a hard time getting along with classmates and teachers. He may also be emotionally unbalanced.

Poor school performance

The father’s lack of attention to the child has such an impact that it affects school performance. The child often has difficulty concentrating and does not feel like doing homework. The child is completely lacking in motivation. 

Lack of identity

Children develop both physically and emotionally in their own family circle. However, if one of the parents is absent, the child will have difficulty bonding with the other family members. Nor will he feel safe. 

It is then difficult for the child to acquire certain skills and maintain relationships within the community.

Other problems a child experiences in the absence of the father include:

• fear
• fury
• feelings of guilt

In addition , the child may suffer from:

• fear of abandonment
• loneliness
• depression

The child may have difficulties coping with stressful situations. As a result, he often feels overwhelmed by feelings of loneliness and abandonment.

The conflicts a child that has been abandoned by the father copes with can last a lifetime. 

This in turn creates a vicious circle – many children who grow up with one parent also abandon their own children. They are also more prone to substance abuse or addiction to other harmful substances from an early age.

Are children growing up without a father different from other children?

Each case is unique, but in general, children who grow up with both parents are more stable. They generally do better than children who didn’t get the chance to grow up with a father.

There are, of course, mothers who raise their children alone and give their children everything they need. These children are able to develop normally and function perfectly in society.

What is the reason behind the father’s absence?

The reason why a father is not around his children is different in every family. In some cases , it sometimes has to do with the death of the parent.

It can also be due to things such as:

• disease
• parting
• work

Another frequent problem is the father’s absence due to drug use.

In addition, even mothers or fathers raising their children may also be emotionally absent. Although they are physically present, they do not fulfill their role as companions. They do not provide stability and security to their children.

This also often includes parents who go to work very early and come home very late at night. The parents are not aware of the emotional damage they can cause in the lives of their children.

They do not contribute to the various stages of their children’s development. The bond with the children is not strengthened and they do not feel loved.

How to prevent separation anxiety in children

Making sure that a child does not suffer from the absence of the father is difficult, but not impossible. The child needs support from the rest of his family. Family members must work together to create a safe and secure environment where the child is valued.

A father can never be captured, of course, but the child can find a father figure to represent him. 

This could be a grandfather, uncle, teacher or other adult who has a good relationship with the family and the child. That way, the child will not feel separation anxiety and develop healthy self-esteem.

The consequences of growing up with only one parent around can be devastating for a child. It is therefore extremely important to spare the child feelings of abandonment and frustration.