Florida law generally allows parents of either gender to have access to their kids after a divorce or separation. This is because the state recognizes that children generally do better when they have both parents in their lives. Let’s take a closer look at some of the disadvantages kids may face when their fathers are not involved in their lives.
Children may experience emotional problems
When a parent is not around, it may be a blow to a child’s self-esteem. In addition, it may foster a sense of abandonment that might follow that child until adulthood. A parent not being in a child’s life might also shape how that young person views relationships or commitment in general. For instance, a child may abandon friendships with little or no warning or fail to complete school assignments because that child has been taught that you can simply do whatever you want without consequence.
Kids may repeat the pattern as adults
Children who don’t have a father in their lives miss out on a key role model. Boys may grow up not knowing what it means to be a good father while girls may miss out on a chance to see the traits that make a good father and husband. Therefore, fathers who are not granted custody of their children may have little choice but to stand idly by while their kids try to figure out what a quality relationship is on their own.
Even if you don’t like your child’s other parent, it is not a good idea to deny custody or visitation rights. Unless there is reason to believe that the other parent will cause your child harm, the only person you are truly punishing by keeping a parent away is your son or daughter.