We Need More Single Father Role Models

Where are the positive father stories?

Why aren’t there more positive stories about divorced or single fathers who are involved in their child(ren)’s lives? We constantly hear stories of fathers who abandon their children and walk away from their responsibilities. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of fathers who don’t take care of their children, both financially and physically. In fact, I am a child of one of those fathers and there are a million more out there just like me.

But despite the constant barrage of news stories on “deadbeat dads” the fact is there are more, much more, fathers who do take care of their children and who are involved in their children’s lives. Yet, no one ever talks about those fathers.

Would Positive Role Models Produce Positive Results?

I do wonder however, if there were more positive stories, would more fathers step up to their responsibilities? Instead of it being a shock that a father is involved in his child’s life, it would be a social norm. By highlighting more examples of fantastic fathers there would be role models for other fathers or prospective fathers out there.

A Report on a Single Father

In fact, I was recently watching an repeat episode of Nightline a Nightline segment that first aired in 2011 about Dwyane Wade. For those not as interested in sports as me, Dwyane Wade is one of the top players in the NBA and currently plays with LeBron James for the Miami Heat. The segment wasn’t on his basketball skills. The segment was highlighting a part of Dwyane Wade’s life that is much more important! He is a single dad raising 2 sons and a nephew.

I have to applaud Dwyane Wade for stepping up and choosing to be an active part of his children’s life, to fight for custody and prove to his children and the world that it doesn’t matter how much money you have, or how famous you are. The most important (and rewarding) job in life is being a parent.

A Star – A Father

Dwyane Wade does symbolize a true star (yes he is an amazing basketball player!) but he also knows he is a parent and it’s not a role you simply get to walk away from because you no longer feel like doing the work.

Thank you Dwyane for demonstrating to fathers what they should be doing and thanks to ABC for showing a positive story of a father!

Thank You NightLine – Can We Have More?

Thank you Nightline for producing this story. Can we have more? or can other News outlets do the same?