What you didn't know having a father was saving you from

Article here. Excerpt:

'In 2014, 17.4 million children lived in a fatherless home. Every year there are more single moms raising children on their own. Despite the trend that seems to be rapidly increasing, there have been numerous studies that prove how essential a dad is to a child’s success and overall happiness.

Here are some of the facts:

1. Children with fathers are less likely to live in poverty

In 2011, it was reported that fatherless homes were four times more likely to suffer from poverty. Single mothers work hard to provide for their families; but having a working father significantly reduces chances of poverty.

2. Children with fathers are less likely to experiment with drugs and alcohol

In the "Journal of Marriage and Family," it was reported that adolescents without a solid family structure or a working man in the home are much more prone to experiment with drugs and alcohol.

3. Girls without fathers are 3.5 times more likely to experience teenage pregnancy

A study of 264 adolescent women seeking psychological services found that the rate of pregnancy among those in a father-absent home was 17.4 percent, compared to 4 percent in a two-parent household.'