Fatherhood Requires Love Not DNA

The fact is that fatherhood and parenthood require love and the right kind of love. Fatherhood is not something you get by having a baby. It takes time, effort, and love. You are also expected to give your child a voice of reason and gently discipline him when he makes the wrong choices.

Fatherhood is a life-changing experience, especially for a young child. In a recent survey, the American Academy of Pediatrics found that children who had a strong bond with their dads grew to be better adults than those who had no relationship with their dads. For that reason, it is important that men take their responsibilities seriously.

Despite this, many men aren’t doing all they can to protect their rights. One case in point is that of Tanner Pruitt, who paid child support for seven years after his divorce. After all, his daughter never looked like the woman he married. He even swabbed the cheek cells of her and sent them to a laboratory. Yet, the court determined that he was not the father.

Another case in point is that of William Doran. He was a loving father to an 11-year-old boy. However, he was tricked into believing that he was the father by his former wife. When it was clear that he wasn’t, he was allowed to cut all ties with his son. This was a good move, according to the Pennsylvania appellate court.

While the paternity question is rarely answered with a simple yes or no, some men have come up with a solution: adopt. Adopting a child provides the security of a parent and the benefits of a good genetic match. Plus, it’s a great way to show your child how much you care.

DNA testing has been around for a while, but it’s only recently become an affordable and easy-to-use option. And, of course, the DNA test can tell you if you are indeed the biological father of a child. Some even choose to adopt the child after the paternity test proves that you aren’t.

The paternity question is only one small part of the big puzzle. Those involved in raising a child should be aware of the myriad other ways a father can contribute to his child’s development. From providing a nurturing environment to guiding their child’s decisions, a great father will do all they can to ensure his offspring’s success in life.

A good place to start is by creating a solid set of boundaries. During the early stages of parenting, it’s often difficult to establish a firm line of demarcation between what is and isn’t okay. The best way to do this is to learn how to say “no” in a variety of situations.

Finally, be sure to keep in mind the scientifically-valided sex and genetics controversies. Genetics can’t guarantee that a child is better off with a male parent, but they can help explain why the two of you aren’t the only two viable options.