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Local Fathers Say Lack of Male Influence Explains Chattanooga

362 views · Published 21 June 2012 · 2:41 · Indexed 6 November 2026

Channel: WTVC NewsChannel 9 · 2012 · News & Politics

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By Jerry AskinA slightly different take on Father's Day and how important dad really are... A recent study shows about 1 in every 3 people in the U.S. grows up without a father - and that lack of parental involvement may have a direct impact on violent crime.Fathers Day is meant to be a special day to enjoy with your dad. We spoke to many fathers today who aim to instill positive values in their kids - hoping to keep them out of trouble."4-year old Chloe was too shy to speak to us on camera today, but she'll tell you she loves her father. Her dad took her boating today - hoping to teach her early what a good father is like. "They're looking not for somebody to tell them what to do, but somebody to mentor them - and if they get mentored in the wrong direction, then they're going to end up in the wrong direction," says Chris Dominick.Dominick says the recent gang issue here in Chattanooga stems from one thing - a lack of fathers in the lives of young people. "A lot of times when they don't have that in their life, they do other things because they go out and look for other sources for a father figure," says Dominick.In fact, a recent national study says when it comes to kids in single-parent homes, boys are more likely to become involved in crime, and the girls are more likely to become pregnant as teens. That's according to the National Center for Fathering. Demetrius Russell took his son fishing today - A perfect day to bond like father like son!"I think that being a father is more than just a title, I think it's something that God blesses up with and that's something we should take serious," says Demetrius Russell.And Jacob respects his father for teaching him the values of what it truly means to be a man."He's a good father figure. He doesn't let me get away with much that other parents let their kids get away with and I love him," says Jacob Russell.While folks like Arilyn Lee can appreciate her father."He's nice and active and he likes to play with me and stuff," says Lee.Diana Emory will only share memories of hers. Her father died in 2009."Fathers are very important to children in the household, good role models, good stability - and for all the children out there, if you forgot you need to say Happy Fathers Day to your dad!" says Emory.A recent national study shows kids from single parent homes are more likely to be poor, do drugs and alcohol, and become high school drop outs. It's a startling statistic -- one that parents hope will change... one child at a time.A study of nearly 6,000 children found that children from single parent homes had more physical and mental health problems than children who lived with two married parents. That's according to the National Center for Fathering.

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