If we let our boys run wild, and neglect our God-given responsibilities as parents, we run the risk of losing our boys and of ultimately creating monsters. Research studies cited by Dr. James Dobson, et al., report the following alarming trends:
UNITED STATES
1. Fifty percent of children dont see their father after age 5.
2. Fifty-nine percent of children come home to an empty house.
3. A Columbia University study shows that teenagers who have poor or non-existent relationships with their fathers are 68 percent more likely to use drugs. Other research shows that fatherless boys are more likely to have other problems, as well.
4. Overall, boys participate in destructive behaviors far more often than girls their same age. The rate at which boys get in more trouble than girls: x 3 drugs, x 4 suicide, x 7 guns, x 12 murder, x 19 juvenile court cases.
5. Of the 1.2 million individuals in prison, 94 percent are men.
6. Of the 3,400 individuals on death row, 98.6 percent are men.
WORLDWIDE
7. In the United Kingdom, the BBC reports that 33 percent of teenagers say relationships are their biggest worry. Forty-two percent of parents, however, list drugs as the biggest problem that teenagers have today.
8. In Australia, Radio National reports that 70 percent of teenage boys in juvenile jails come from dysfunctional homes.
Whats a parent to do? Explore and embrace the
seven principles for bringing up boys.
