Introduction
This article relates to a study conducted on fragile families in low-income communities. The study sought to interrogate the dynamics of fatherhood and couple relationships. In the study, urban couples are enlisted during childbirth and trailed for a period of four years. The study created a deeper understanding of circumstances that surround absentee fatherhood and the inherent features of couple relationships in low-income urban communities. The main focus was the involvement of fathers in raising a child and hurdles encountered by couples in relationships. Through this study, it is evident that a large number of fathers participate actively in raising their child despite economic hardships. The study also examines the aspect of enduring father involvement. The study seeks to establish whether prenatal involvement extends to later stages in child development. The study also focuses on the relationship between prenatal and postnatal involvement.
Main Body
According to research, the quality of couple relationships affects the level of father involvement. However, earlier studies have failed to determine the interdependent relationship between father involvement and couple relationship. The study underscores the importance of involvement by both parents in raising a child. Fathers involved during prenatal stages are likely to enjoy a healthy relationship with mother and child. If he continues to live with his mother, he is likely to be active in the child’s life. In this case, prenatal involvement is gauged by the presence and support of the father during pregnancy. This stage is helpful in determining the reliability of fathers. Paternal engagement relates to other aspects of parenting such as physical interaction with the child. Physical interaction occurs through play, narrating stories, and active display of physical affection. Active fatherhood demands availability and presence during major developmental stages in a child’s life.
The study established that prenatal involvement leads to a healthy and fulfilling relationship with the child in later stages of development. This relationship accords the child an enabling environment for normal development. Fathers actively involved during pregnancy are likely to forge a healthy relationship with the child after birth. This study is a confirmation that family structure has an immense influence on the involvement of fathers. Active fathering is tasking in cases where both parents lack residential proximity. However, fathers who live with the child’s mother seize the opportunity through active involvement. Public policies should make it easier for couples in low- income areas to live together. This ensures that both parents participate in raising their children. The study indicates that married couples are more stable compared to cohabiting partners. Cohabiting parents put children at risk of witnessing their separation. This is true because cohabiting parents have a high likelihood of separation. The study proposes efforts by policymakers to ensure that low-income families get the necessary support to develop healthy family structures. This ensures that both parents participate in raising their children.
Conclusion
This research undertaking appreciates the need to formulate a public policy that addresses concerns relating to low-income families. This segment of society is under constant social and economic pressure. The study seeks to underscore the relevance of healthy family structures. In my opinion, this article explicitly addresses issues that relate to family. The issues tackled in the article are relevant in contemporary society. Father involvement is very important to a child’s wellbeing. This can only be achieved if both parents live together. It is important to have a public policy that encourages parents to live together for their child’s sake. By and large, a child’s development is largely dependent on the surrounding social circumstances.