Indonesia Is the 3rd Fatherless Country in the World, Questioning the Importance of a Father Figure's Presence in a Child's Education

For centuries, the presence of a mother has been believed to be the most important factor in a child's development. Over time, however, some studies have suggested that the role and involvement of fathers in parenting is not so important for a child's development. Unfortunately, that study found that Indonesia is the third most fatherless country in the world. This means that the presence of a father figure in our country is still very small, or even absent altogether.

According to DetikHealth, the main reasons are long-distance marriage, divorce, and fathers being busy meeting the needs of life. In this regard, Psychology Today explains that there are fundamental differences between children who grow up with a father figure and children who grow up without a father figure. Families that involve fathers in parenting tend to do better at shaping a positive personality.

The important role of fathers in the family: besides working, fathers must also take part in their children's education. The following are the important roles of fathers in a child's development:

·Teaching children to solve problems with the right solutions.

·Passing on life values that are important for the children's future.

·Being a playmate for children, especially in physical games.

·Teaching children to distinguish between right and

·wrong behaviour and to understand the consequences of their behaviour.

·Teaching responsibility by responding to the needs of the family.

·Teaching morals and manners so that children can act more wisely.

For a child, the presence and active role of a father figure in daily life is very important. Unfortunately, not all children can experience their father's presence fully. A child who grows and develops without a father is called a fatherless child (anak yatim). Helplessness can occur for various reasons, from divorce to the father's death to a father who works in another city or even in a village. Fatherless children experience various psychological and social effects. Psychologically, fatherless children can have emotional and behavioural problems. They usually have difficulty identifying themselves and often feel lonely. In addition, they are also vulnerable to mental disorders such as depression and anxiety.

At the same time, orphans also have poorer social relationships. They may find it hard to form close and intimate relationships with others, especially women. In addition, they are more vulnerable to offences such as drug use or violence. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to fatherless children and support them in their education and development. There are many things that can be done to help fatherless children grow and develop.

1. Give attention and support

Fatherless children often feel alone and miss a father who could support and care for them. That is why it is important for us to pay attention to and support them. Listen to their complaints, give encouragement and enthusiasm, and be a positive presence in their lives.

2. Create a positive and stable environment

Fatherless children often experience instability in life, both in their family relationships and in their communities. That is why it is important for us to create a positive and stable environment for them. Provide a sense of safety and comfort in daily life, and help them feel safe and comfortable in their social environment.

3. Help them build a positive identity

Fatherless children often find it hard to build their own identity. That is why it is important for us to help them build a positive and healthy identity. Offer encouragement and enthusiasm, and help them discover talents and interests that can make them more confident.

4. Help them make decisions

Fatherless children often find it hard to make the right decisions. That is why it is important for us to support them in their decision-making process. Provide the necessary information and knowledge and help them understand the implications of every decision they make.

5. Provide access to quality education

One of the most important problems for fatherless children is access to quality education. Education can help them build the knowledge and skills they need for the future. That is why it is important for us to be able to offer quality education to fatherless children.

When dealing with fatherless children, we must also remember that every child is unique and has different needs. That is why we must respond to their needs individually and support them. In this way, orphans can grow and develop well, even though their father is not present in their lives.

However, this does not mean that this problem cannot be solved. Fathers can put their interaction and role into practice through five things: helping children solve problems, being a playmate for children, and teaching children what behaviours can be applied in social life. In addition, fathers can also help by preparing everything that is needed and guiding children so that they are ready to face life's challenges in the future.

In this way, fatherlessness, which can rob these children of their future, can be eradicated. Fathers must keep thinking about their role as parents and be involved in parenting. Besides balancing the child's growth, this can significantly warm the relationship between father and child.