Each year, Father’s Day gives us a moment to celebrate the men who raise, support and guide us. But beyond the cards, ties and cookouts, this day should be a call to action — because when fathers are engaged in their children’s lives, our communities grow stronger, our classrooms thrive, and the cycle of intergenerational poverty begins to break.
As a husband and father of two, I know firsthand that parenting is not easy. It’s a role filled with challenges, responsibilities, sacrifices; and more recently — eye rolls. Yet, it’s also the most rewarding title I hold. As a legislator and attorney, I’ve seen how families — especially children — struggle when that vital role of a father or father figure is absent.
And the data doesn’t lie.
Children growing up in homes without fathers are significantly more likely to face poverty, drop out of school, engage in criminal activity and experience emotional and behavioral problems. Nearly one in four children in the United States — over 18 million — live without a father in the home. That absence ripples across generations. It impacts academic success, job readiness, mental health and public safety.
But just as absence can harm, presence can heal. When fathers are active and engaged, outcomes dramatically improve. Children perform better in school, have higher self-esteem and are less likely to experience poverty or enter the criminal justice system. We talk a lot about breaking cycles of poverty — father involvement is one of the most direct and powerful ways to do just that.
In our classrooms, we’re beginning to see the positive impact of programs like WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students), which brings fathers and father figures into schools as volunteers and mentors. These programs aren’t just about showing up for a single day — they’re about building relationships, modeling responsibility and reinforcing the message that every child deserves the attention and support of caring adults.
Organizations like the National Fatherhood Initiative, All Pro Dad, and local community-based parenting programs are stepping up to support fathers who want to be present, but may need help navigating parenting, employment or co-parenting relationships. We need to support and expand these efforts — because not every father had a positive role model growing up. Sometimes, being a good father starts with unlearning what wasn’t there.
Our policies should reflect this truth. That means ensuring father-friendly workplace policies, improving access to parenting classes and mental health support, and supporting responsible fatherhood classes like Dynamic Dads through the Family Education and Support Services.
We can’t just “create” good fathers and role models. However, other fathers and community-based organizations can help create those opportunities to learn and grow as a man, and as a male role model. Investing in fathers is investing in the future of our children and our communities.
In Olympia, I’ve advocated for policies that help build stronger families because I believe the strength of our state depends on the strength of our homes. When we support parents —both mothers and fathers — we create a foundation that lifts children out of poverty and into opportunity. A child’s day begins and ends in the home, so creating resources and opportunities for parents to be successful benefits the children, and the community.
Children need the involvement of positive male role models. Dads, if you are looking for opportunities to give back, consider volunteering in the classroom, sharing your talents with a local community organization or coaching youth sports. Be the example that helps change lives.
This Father’s Day, let’s honor the dads who are present, and encourage those who are trying. Let’s recognize that parenting is not just a private duty — it’s a public good. And let’s work together to ensure that every child, in every corner of our state, has a positive male role model to look up to and lean on.
Because strong fathers build strong children. And strong children build a stronger Washington.
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Rep. Peter Abbarno represents the 20th Legislative District in Southwest Washington. He is an attorney based in Centralia.
