Fatherlessness

The effects of fatherlessness have been documented from birth through childhood to adulthood. From lower birth weights to higher drop out rates to increased likelihood for incarceration, studies have repeatedly shown the negative effects of contemporary father absence. This is the issue that President Bill Clinton (in 1995) identified as “the single biggest social problem … because it contributes to so many other social problems.” Since then much has been done to understand the consequences of father absence, and the results are controversial but convincing. Fathers are important, if not necessary, for the good of children and the good of society.

Read our overview of this topic here, as well as compelling research and good resources on fatherhood and fatherlessness. 

The One Hundred Billion Dollar Man

In 1960 only 8% of children lived without his/her father. In 2006 34% of children lived without his/her biological father, and 23.3% lived with only his/her mother. 

Behind these statistics there is a cost. Read our recent research review on the financial cost of fatherlessness in America here. 

What is Creativity?

What is creative thinking? What is the difference between creative thinking and critical thinking? And more importantly, how is the decline of creative thinking abilities in America affecting our children? 

Without the ability to think creatively, new ideas and new ways of thinking will become things of the past. For those who believe in God, one of His stated attributes is creativity, and as beings created in His image we are obliged to cultivate creativity everywhere. Even if you do not believe in God, one can easily see how a world without constant and consistent innovation is one doomed to fail. Thus it is set to us as those who are called to work with youth in any capacity to cultivate creativity here and now. This is not an easy task in light of what was stated previously. Here are a few practical suggestions: 

1. Encourage the asking of questions. Live by the motto that "there's no such thing as a dumb question." Questioning the world around us has been a catalyst for innovation since the beginning of time. 

2. At every possible opportunity, give children and youth opportunities to problem solve on their own, unhindered and unaided by adults.  

Read more on this topic here, including results from recent studies on the American "Creativity Quotient" as posted by Newsweek. 

In addition, we have a new resources page on this topic with a few resources on creativity, it's development in children and ways to enhance your own creative thinking abilities.