The Importance of Fathers: A Conversation with Tim Rarick
In this episode of Currents, hosts Dana and Shannon engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Tim Rarick,a professor at BYU Idaho specializing in marriage, family, and human development.
The conversation centers around the critical role of fathers in both parenting and society.
Tim discusses his experiences speaking at the United Nations on the importance of fatherhood,
addressing how societal and media influences often downplay the value of fathers.
He emphasizes that his primary identity is as a father and husband, despite his academic credentials.
The episode explores how fathers can combat toxic masculinity, contribute uniquely to their children’s development,and strengthen family dynamics. Practical advice for fathers, whether married or estranged from their children's mothers,is also provided, along with insights on how to build interdependent relationships between men and women.
The discussion reveals that strengthening familial relationships is foundational to positively impacting society.
“I just found that the better husband I am, I naturally become a better father, and if I’m doing well at those, and it’s not just time allotment, it has more to do with focus and where my heart is.” Tim Rarick
“I think if we recognize that role first, you as a father, me as a mother, then it does influence everything that we do, every decision we make and where we’re going with our lives.” - Dana Robb
“It’s been said by Uri Bronfenbrenner, ‘The family is the most humane, the most economical, and by far the most powerful system known for building competence and character.’ He said that in the mid 80s after researching this quite a bit… but I wonder what he would say now. I still believe that statement is true, that the family has that potential. Sadly, what we’re seeing…is with the rise of screen media, we have now a competitor with parents.” - Tim Rarick
“Research shows that fatherless boys have a greater tendency to become toxic males than boys who have involved fathers.” - Tim Rarick
“It’s the whole idea that power equates worth, and you’ll get power any way you can get it, that’s toxic masculinity. And fathers who are involved and loving are one of the best antidotes to that.” - Tim Rarick
“Fatherless girls are more susceptible to believing that all men are toxic or allowing toxic men to use them.” - Tim Rarick
“The family is never stronger than the marriage.” - Tim Rarick
“What can I do to be intentional about my marriage rather than just being on autopilot? Because that will make you a much better father.” - Tim Rarick
“Sure, have a big goal, but break it down to something bite sized and what’s the next good thing that you can do, and make sure you’re doing it with the right heart because if you’re not, you’re going to run into obstacles and you may quit early.” - Tim Rarick
“I am hopeful that any person can change and anybody can improve their relationships.” - Tim Rarick
“Changing the world begins with changing the home.” - Dana Robb
“No matter where you’re at, what you’ve experienced, we all can decide what we’re going to do moving forward as husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, or sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, we’re all a member of somebody’s family, and we decide what we can do moving forward, if we get the right influences and we get the right information. Everyone can change, and there’s always a brighter future ahead.” - Tim Rarick
Tim Rarick is a husband and father first and foremost. He is also a professor at BYU-Idaho, a public speaker, writer, family advocate, and a Latter-Day Saint.
Additional Resources:
Fathers Be Good to your Daughters: The Link Between Fatherlessness and a Sexualized Cultureyoutube.com
National Fatherhood Initiative: Fatherhood.org
Keith Zafran, thegreatdadsproject.org
Take Back Your Marriage, William Doherty
Take Back Your Kids, William Doherty
Books recommended:
Girls on the Edge, Leonard Sax
Improving Father Daughter Relationships, Linda Nielsen
Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters, Meg Meeker
Families Without Fathers, David Pompenoe
Man, Interrupted, Philip Zimbardp
Of Boys and Men, Richard V. Reeves
Why Gender Matters, Leonard Sax
