Don't Underestimate! the Importance of a Father's Role in Shaping a Child's Character and Personality.

ZALFA AZZAHRA SALIM (3080230025)

Phenomenon of fatherless, or the loss of a father’s role, is still common in society. Fatherless not only means the physical loss of a father, but also the emotional loss of a father’s role. While this issue may seem trivial to some, it can have a significant impact on a child’s development, particularly on character and personality development.

Many cases show that children who grow up without father experience emotional emptiness because they feel they have lost a role model, especially in terms of discipline, responsibility and assertiveness. Data obtained from the National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI) states that children who grow up without a father are four times more likely to live in poverty, twice as likely to drop out of school, and are more likely to become involved in criminal behavior.  This proves how impact a father’s role is in his child growth.

Figure. 1

Indonesia is one of the countries with high rate of fatherless. The Minister of Population and Family Development/Head of the National Population and Family Planning Board (BKKBN), Wihaji, stated that "around 80% of Indonesian children lack a father figure in their families, and around 20% grow up without an active father role because many fathers are only financially present but lack emotional interaction”. However, research from the University of Maryland shows that father involvement in a child’s life can significantly improve a child’s self confidence, social skills, and academic achievement.

We cannot ignore the fact that children who grow up without a father are at high risk of developing emotional wound. They can feel unloved, lose self-confidence, and even experience emotional disorders or depression. Therefore, it’s important for fathers to realize that children need more than just money; they also need their time, attention, and affection. Simple, moments like playing, discussing or simply asking about school are essential for a child’s emotional well-being.

Figure. 2

Being a father is not just biological responsibility, but also a moral and emotional one. A father’s loving presence will shape a child into a confident, strong and empathic individual. If we want a better future for our nation, let’s start with intact families that provide father figures who are truly present, not merely present.