Often parents come into counseling in the process of divorce. I am glad that they are considering their children, how to tell their children and what role their future relationship will play in their parenting. I want to encourage fathers and mothers to remember the importance of fathers in their children's lives. (I have found that when a woman has had her own father leave the home, it can be easier for her to discount the role of the father of her children.)

The National Fatherhood Initiative says:

"Fathers can have an important influence on children’s mental and physical health. Children in two parent families are more likely to have access to private health insurance. Children in two parent families are likely to use more preventative and illness-related ambulatory care than single parent families even after income and health insurance is taken into account. Fathers warmth and closeness to their children appears to affect health status many years later."

It is never easy to decide to divorce. But even if your children are not in a two parent family, honor the role of a father if at all possible.

To healthy parenting,