I am a man whose life changed for the better the day I became a Dad. Fatherhood gave me a clear purpose and motivated me to be the best I can be... all because I know my kids are watching.
Want to change the world? Want to improve society? Be a Dad to your children. Raise them to be better than you. Raise your son to be a great man, and your daughter to be a great woman. Be a Superhero in your kid’s eyes.
- Dan Mihacevich, founder of DadPromise & Dad to three girls
The day your first child is born is a day like no other. Becoming a father makes you feel the responsibility of humanity on your shoulders. Fatherhood makes men want to be better men. We want to be healthier, more successful, more moral and all around the best we can be. We want to be a great role model for our son, and an example of our daughter’s future husband.
Unfortunately fathers’ importance has been largely undervalued in society. Fewer American fathers are participating in the lives of their children than at any time since the United States began keeping records. According to the US Census during the 1960-2016 period, the percentage of children living with only their mother nearly tripled from 8 to 23 percent. To add insult to injury, fathers are too often portrayed as ignorant buffoons, and creeps in the media. Good Dads are not celebrated enough.
4X GREATER RISK OF POVERTY
7X MORE LIKELY TO BECOME PREGNANT AS A TEEN
MORE LIKELY TO HAVE BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS
MORE LIKELY TO ABUSE DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
MORE LIKELY TO COMMIT A CRIME
MORE LIKELY TO GO TO PRISON
MORE LIKELY TO DROP OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL
MORE LIKELY TO FACE ABUSE
DadPromise is not a criticism of single mothers, gay parents or other non-traditional family structures. We fully acknowledge that there are other ways to successfully raise children.
DadPromise is a celebration of Dads. DadPromise challenges every father to make a lifetime commitment to his children, and to be the best Dad possible.
So are you ready to make the DadPromise? Your kids and society will thank you!