Why do 1 in 5 U.S. women have kids with more than one dad?

Dads I want to give you a pep talk.  The involvement of a father can dramatically reduce the odds of a child from getting involved with substance abuse.  Those kids also live in a safer home, are more physically active and stand a much greater change to avoid poverty.  Go dads, you rock, well most of you rock.

This is where the distinction of ‘father’ and ‘dad’ come into play.  An article came out last week that revealed that 1 in 5 U.S. women have children who have different dads.  One of these articles then showed a picture of Christie Brinkley, with her four children.  While I appreciated the substance of the article, I’m not Billy Joel and you’re not Christie Brinkley.

Divorce does happen and is a messy, ugly, painful, complicated process.  Sometimes the mom is at fault, sometimes it’s the dad’s fault.   However, ladies, you receive custody of the children 85% of the time.    For the sake of your children you need to involve the dad.

Overall 28% of women have children with different fathers.  When you break down the numbers it came down to 59% of black women, 35% of Hispanic women and 22% of white women.  Guys, this is your problem.   A generation of kids growing up without a dad is not something that you can blame on economics, race or education.  The survey did rise with certain demographics, but every area had a problem and needs attention.

An editorial in Oregon outlines the problem in another way.  Their premise is that because you (as a ‘dad’) aren’t man enough to honor your commitment the state has to intervene and take care of the mother and child.   Essentially it’s the encroachment of the nanny state, except the government is taxing you and taking care of your parenting responsibilities too.  That article is a strong smack down against bad dads, who mostly likely aren’t savvy enough to understand the lessons it’s trying to teach.

Men, let’s assume that the 1 in 5 is not due to any legitimate reasons, such as divorce through a failed marriage or a widower situation.  Now to those guys who don’t fall into those categories you need to look yourself in the mirror and man up.   Having unprotected sex when you can’t afford, due to lack of finances or maturity is your fault and your issue.

Quit letting the government, i.e., all of us, shoulder the burden for your lack of planning and be a father or a dad; not just some dude who may send a check every once in a while.