The life-long impact of absent fathers | Kent D. Ballard, Jr. | TEDxWilsonPark

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  • Опубліковано 20 жов 2020
  • Fatherlessness impacts every area of a person's life. Kent Ballard, Jr., a seasoned educator with more than 17 years of experience in various sectors, especially the industry of education. He has been recognized for demonstrating a natural aptitude for promoting student achievement and growth.
    He has a specific passion to see young men striving for their absolute best, especially young men who have been physically or emotionally abandoned by their fathers.
    His professional focal points include student evaluation, professional development, marketing, curriculum development, program development, complex problem-solving, and project management.
    He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Masters in Education with a Specialization in Urban and Diverse Learners. He currently is the Workforce Education Specialist for the Chamber Foundation, a 501c3 under the Huntsville/Madison Chamber of Commerce in Huntsville, Alabama. In this role, He will empower students, faculty, and staff members, and administrators to develop tomorrow's workforce through effective resources and informational insight. Huntsville is growing and he is proud to be a part of the Chamber of Commerce in this season of change.
    Kent is a husband of 16 years and a father of three boys, Gabriel, Joseph, and Luke. As a father of boys, Kent takes paternal leadership seriously and is blessed to lead his children to healthy and vibrant futures. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

КОМЕНТАРІ • 863

  • @chrislim7976
    @chrislim7976 2 роки тому +824

    I never thought there were so many of us with absent/invisible fathers. 😔

    • @dieterspecht36
      @dieterspecht36 2 роки тому +17

      There s a book called "Society without the father". I used to believe it was about me and my own story. This is an entire generation, it s rooted much more deeper than on a personal level and it explains a lot about modern society. Lack of commitment, family instinct, doing what is right in relationships, staying power during hardship, ambition. You name it, and in my 36 years I have it seen it much worse in people with an absent father growing up than with a father who chose to be around in some way.

    • @dieterspecht36
      @dieterspecht36 2 роки тому +6

      At some point in your life you need to realize that although it hurt you, it did not cripple you. You need to do the work. And..yes, he will get old, and yes.. he will feel guilty. By that time you would ve grown up (on your own + your mother support if you had any) and they can do nothing to change that. I ve seen it millions of times already on middle aged man and I am 36, in fact I am currently experiencing it in my own life, wich I thought it would never happen. I could not care less at this time in my life tbh. Karma has it s ways I guess.

    • @chrislim7976
      @chrislim7976 2 роки тому +27

      Guys I am 53 and my father is now having health problems at 82. He never showed interest in being a father, never said more than 10 words to me and now expects me to do whatever he wants to help him. I can tell you...if there was no relationship before there is no magic that happens over time. Just letting you know if your in your 30s, 20s etc.

    • @dieterspecht36
      @dieterspecht36 2 роки тому +5

      @@EqualSharedParenting I think the video clearly talks about fathers who choose not to be present in his own childrens life and early development and the void it creates in them.

    • @EqualSharedParenting
      @EqualSharedParenting 2 роки тому +3

      @@chrislim7976 So you are reconciling with your father? or just believing that it's too late. Lord's Prayer explanation Matt 6.14-15 For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

  • @bighomiehydro1422
    @bighomiehydro1422 2 роки тому +1104

    Sometimes growing up without a father you are subject to so much abuse from your mother.

    • @karlbale3980
      @karlbale3980 2 роки тому +144

      My Man.... Exactly .... You don't have nobody else to defend you, telling you about the things will go better 😔

    • @Juiceish1
      @Juiceish1 2 роки тому +75

      Story of my life.

    • @aneeshthomas4860
      @aneeshthomas4860 2 роки тому +21

      Dude

    • @KingJeffashimself
      @KingJeffashimself 2 роки тому +141

      Especially a matriarchal mother who thinks she is always correct. I had to take ownership of my manhood and stand my ground

    • @nachoher5107
      @nachoher5107 2 роки тому +8

      BIGHOMIE Agree i relate!

  • @homemakingministrieswithta6869
    @homemakingministrieswithta6869 Рік тому +648

    "I will be a Father to the Fatherless, and you will be my sons and daughters." 2nd Corinthians 6:18. Is how I've always tried to cope. ❤️

  • @kurarisusa
    @kurarisusa 2 місяці тому +25

    I believe fatherlessness is one of the worst and yet most invisible epidemics of our culture today. I don’t think enough of us realize just how painful it is for children and how often that abandonment wound is through into adulthood. We really need to address and reverse this tragedy.

    • @Smashgamin
      @Smashgamin 2 місяці тому +2

      Imagine your own father telling you that they were fatherless so they won't be fathers to anyone... mine did. He literally doesn't and never cared since birth

  • @cxrlxs1097
    @cxrlxs1097 3 роки тому +764

    Imagine being a fatherless child feeling guilty , struggling in school and society and watching this video , yeah that’s me 🙋‍♂️ thanks so much for this video I’ll use your techniques ✊🧠 inverse intellectual 🧐

    • @imlearning5903
      @imlearning5903 3 роки тому +50

      I`m very fed up with all this sadness i carry for years.

    • @MetricSun
      @MetricSun 3 роки тому +2

      🙋🏾‍♂️

    • @janeiljohnson9360
      @janeiljohnson9360 3 роки тому +7

      @@imlearning5903 mine is for at least 9 years

    • @MontageMediaWorks
      @MontageMediaWorks 3 роки тому +18

      34 and still trying to figure it out. Stay strong, fam.

    • @frenzy47
      @frenzy47 2 роки тому +2

      It's me too. Cheers and good luck on your quest.

  • @zaidhernandez4601
    @zaidhernandez4601 2 роки тому +179

    People need to understand the severity of the situation we are in now, too many of us grow up without fathers

  • @matt75hooper
    @matt75hooper Рік тому +125

    No dad in the home, we all missed out in different ways. My biggest complaint was always having to take the long hardest bumpiest route in life. Looking back I would have loved to have a dad stomp a footprint in front of me and say "Here........this way. This is the best way from A to Z. No need to make the same mistakes I made." I became successful and have done pretty well. But God almighty I logged 10x the miles, bumps & bruises that would have been nice to avoid. Father gone when I was two- made me determined to be a superb Father. And I have been. My son did not take the long winding bumpy rocky road. I stomped my footprint and showed him the way. He turned out to be a magnificent & extremely successful son.

  • @lunahd7200
    @lunahd7200 Місяць тому +5

    My father was physically present but absent to this day. He goes to work, back home and that’s it. It’s been years since I had conversation with him. He never taught me any thing, never spent time with me. I had so many years of low self esteem. Affected my life so much I was nearly homeless. I promised myself I would never be the same with my child. I cannot forgive him for this.

  • @kawaiifranki
    @kawaiifranki Рік тому +54

    I don't understand how you can create another human being and not even care for it. Like how do they sleep at night?!

    • @brandonayers483
      @brandonayers483 2 місяці тому +2

      Because they didn’t want the kid and the mother decided to have them. That’s the answer.

    • @CaptAra
      @CaptAra 12 днів тому

      Yes

    • @VedaPari-ge3tb
      @VedaPari-ge3tb 8 днів тому

      His father had disowned him and he did the same to his 4 year old daughter! Even I wonder how they sleep at night!

    • @4fthell
      @4fthell 2 дні тому

      ​@@brandonayers483 Nah because a lot of people 'wanted' the kid then still leave

  • @dkbookings
    @dkbookings 8 місяців тому +52

    One thing I learned about being a fatherless man. You become who you hate, but when you forgive them for not being in your life you get your identity back off who you truly are, remember your dad is just a normal human .
    I’ve always said this, there is no different to absent dad and a murderer. They both destroy lives.

    • @chrislim7976
      @chrislim7976 6 місяців тому +1

      So 100% true.
      Hate. Forgive. Accepting parents are human.
      It's brutal.

  • @orpheus1662
    @orpheus1662 2 роки тому +43

    What I went through because of absent father is unspeakable and I’ll never forgive him

    • @Honest_Man
      @Honest_Man 2 роки тому +1

      What did you go through

    • @kuselwaleona6483
      @kuselwaleona6483 2 роки тому +6

      So sorry for whatever you went through, but u need to forgive him to liberate urself. Wish you all the best

    • @mustafatofiq3987
      @mustafatofiq3987 Рік тому +3

      Look, I forgave him, life is not worthwhile to live, with resentment.

    • @mich5131
      @mich5131 8 місяців тому +2

      He doesn’t need to forgive. Just accept, and go on to be a better person.

    • @KishaGreen19
      @KishaGreen19 3 місяці тому

      Praying, forgiveness is for you when you give it to GOD he Will make your heart feel better forgiveness doesn’t mean you have to continue to want him in your life just scream fuss and holler at God how angry or frustrated you are I promise God Jesus Will remove that pain

  • @jonesman6734
    @jonesman6734 2 роки тому +317

    I didnt knew my father until the age of 17. I remember sometimes when i saw other men wondering if that could be him. Even today where i know him, i sometimes catch myself looking for him in public. Feeling Abandoned and not wanted by your own father as a man seems to me the most painful feeling in this world. I used to feel ashamed and guilty just for being alive, since i thought the reason for his rejection was that i am wrong. Now I am starting to realise that he just is a very weak men, so i can be strong. I am trying to forgive and let go, but its a long process.

    • @loro9385
      @loro9385 2 роки тому +19

      Healing takes time. You'll get there.

    • @Juiceish1
      @Juiceish1 2 роки тому +1

      Same.

    • @83thane11
      @83thane11 2 роки тому +12

      Met my dad for the first time when i was 15, did the same exact thing you did, and looked around in public wondering if that could be him. He’s a better man now and is involved in my life a lot more, but it still doesn’t take away from the fact that it was just me for 14 years of my life.

    • @owowcherubim6948
      @owowcherubim6948 2 роки тому +4

      @Bella Emerald You're not qualified to be telling any man anything on this subject.

    • @jordanbronner3752
      @jordanbronner3752 2 роки тому +2

      What about your mother ? Have you judged her the same way you judge your father ? You only know one side of the story !

  • @estheraizawa5927
    @estheraizawa5927 3 роки тому +118

    Hollow dad people what's up anyone else struggling with mental health rn?

    • @SybilNix
      @SybilNix 2 роки тому +1

      “Hollow dad people” thank u, gonna use this phrase in the future 😭
      Oh wait lmao I hadn’t started the video yet, I didn’t realize that the speaker uses this

    • @ViiCiiii
      @ViiCiiii 2 роки тому +1

      Always

    • @joseespinoza93
      @joseespinoza93 2 роки тому +1

      Feel like reversing time and dying. Might turn this into a movie.

    • @kylow935
      @kylow935 2 роки тому +7

      Yeah man. struggling with low self esteem and seeking approval from "bad" people.... Yep

    • @sehlaw5311
      @sehlaw5311 2 роки тому

      🙆‍♀️🙆‍♀️🙆‍♀️

  • @calvinbernard
    @calvinbernard Рік тому +60

    I did not really realize how much it would impact my future when my parents divorced when i was younger. It affected my behavior, way of thinking, self esteem. Now at 29 I am only reflecting on the things which i have done, mostly what you would consider "fatherless and only child behavior" . But now i realized i cannot keep blaming the situation anymore and keep playing the victim, something must change and it must come within.

    • @Slacker4Life3
      @Slacker4Life3 10 місяців тому +1

      hope you're doing well

    • @WendyAllen-df5yg
      @WendyAllen-df5yg 7 місяців тому +2

      Wow I am very proud of you to come to such a n honest and difficult truth. You will do just fine!! I would be proud to have a son like you.

  • @tttai8993
    @tttai8993 2 роки тому +40

    I had a "peek a boo" dad as well and honestly I wish he was just completely absent. Im a woman and my father coming in and out really affected my relationship with men...I thought it was normal for boyfriends to disappear for days at a time and come back with no explanation. My girlfriends had to tell me that that behavior wasn't normal. I finally cut him off at 26, after he promised me he would show up to my wedding and he never showed. I still get jealous of women and girls who had fathers smh.

    • @TheBubblyBartender
      @TheBubblyBartender 7 місяців тому +3

      This was me! I had attracted all kinds of dusty guys, and took bare minimum, because I thought I was being a down to earth woman who was cool and understanding. Girl that was just a sucker.😅😂😂😂

    • @tttai8993
      @tttai8993 7 місяців тому +1

      @@TheBubblyBartender Ditto. And all that did was make the man disrespect me even more smh lol

  • @DizzyWolf
    @DizzyWolf Рік тому +68

    Even though he and my mother were divorced, my father was present and helpful during my childhood. He was my #1. When I was 17, he met someone and got remarried. A few years later, he was unreachable. Realizing that he'd left my left was a slow and painful process. 10 years later, I saw him with his wife and adopted daughter. He saw me and acted like he didn't know who I was. I found out shortly after that he did recognize me, he was just blatantly trying to ignore me in the presence of his new family. While it killed me inside, it helped me conclude, peacefully, that I won't even be trying to attend his funeral, and he is as good as dead to me.

    • @morphine1071
      @morphine1071 Рік тому +9

      My parents got divorced when i was 6 and sins then i never saw or talk to him again now i'm 21 years old and even if i see him outside i just ignore him ..to me he's dead 15 years ago

    • @melong1352
      @melong1352 Рік тому +2

      You're not alone my father died and I not show up to his funeral. He never been a father to me now 8m raising my daughter is also a fatherless but Im promise I would be with her support her, being there for her I'm going to do everything for her so she could not suffer the same as I suffer.
      To the father of my child your not young your almost 50 you should know what's your obligation.
      Without us begging for you with her needs.
      You be thankful we're not married so I can't do anything about her support as we live in other country.
      But me and your daughter happy without you.
      It may be difficult to be the same mother and being a father to her.
      I will ask god that one day you'll realized how you abandon your child and don't ever come to us asking for forgiveness I raised her alone without you.
      May god bless you and pray you won't do the same if you ever have a new family.

    • @pixiebezona
      @pixiebezona Рік тому

      This breaks my heart . I’m sorry you had to go through such an ordeal. May you learn, heal and grow.

    • @TheBubblyBartender
      @TheBubblyBartender 7 місяців тому +1

      Damnnnnnnn I’m sorry that that happened to you. I wish you healing.❤

    • @user-tj9dh3eu4s
      @user-tj9dh3eu4s 6 місяців тому

      Bro same story

  • @shazj1842
    @shazj1842 Місяць тому +3

    On a day like this his father still couldn't step up. Sad. I think doing the work of making our peace with absent fathers is the best way to heal because they likely will never change. Kudos to his mother who is still making the effort and showing the support.

  • @ufuomaj.george4184
    @ufuomaj.george4184 2 роки тому +29

    I have a hollow dad. He was physically there but emotionally unavailable

  • @Zen-cx5tc
    @Zen-cx5tc Рік тому +25

    Oh how I wished that I’ve never been born. I had an absent father because of the terrible decisions my mother made. I need to heal from that trauma, because it’s consuming me.

    • @Cierra00x
      @Cierra00x Рік тому +6

      Me too. My mom pushed my dad away 😔

    • @mercymsezeni838
      @mercymsezeni838 11 місяців тому

      Jeremiah 1:5

    • @achhkay4229
      @achhkay4229 7 місяців тому +1

      It happens more often then yall think

  • @carrienz
    @carrienz Рік тому +28

    what a lovely speaker and person this man has become, it brought me to tears. Our dad abandoned us for a better life and our mum was left to raise 3 kids under 5, no job, no money, no car, no house as it came with his job, and this was in the 70's when even the church turned us away because divorce was frowned upon. Thank goodness we were given the mother we had, we hit the jackpot! She has given her love to us every day and still puts us before herself even though she is 79 and struggles with aging, mobility and Parkinsons issues. As I'm her baby (at 54) she still rings me every day to see if I'm ok, have I eaten, and to show interest in my life, I love her to the moon and back and am so grateful she is my mum. My dad passed away last year after a lonely elderly life, even though he had been married 4 or 5 times, he was always looking for something better but never found it. It was just as I had imagined it would turn out for him. We were at his side though as mum raised us to resepct our elders and show compassion to others. I felt at his time of passing he had lost a lot in life, more than we were about to.

  • @anonymousgirl799
    @anonymousgirl799 Рік тому +18

    My absent father died last year. I didn't shed a tear. Always in the receiving line, asking me to write letters to him, provide photos, acknowledge his family, while doing nothing reciprocal for me. Incredible!!! My mother never commented much, either way. As a result, I had no children of my own, refusing to reward their bad behavior. If people don't want to care for children they create, they shouldn't have them. Abandoned children owe them NOTHING. Kick Rocks.

    • @tammiehinkle2040
      @tammiehinkle2040 Рік тому

      I am sorry for what you went through!
      I know nothing of your mother, is it possible she was trying to avoid saying anything negative about your father??
      I know as a single mom I often struggled, do I tell my kids their dad was abusive? Do I tell them he broke the middle daughters hand when she was 2?? Do I tell them that I invited him to different events of theirs & he never showed?? Do I tell them that he quit paying the minimal amount he was paying when he began paying for a new woman's family??
      I remember my mother did that to me & every time she said something negative about my dad, I somehow felt responsible, like it was my fault, like I should fix it for her.
      So now? I just carry my burdens & don't mention their dad to my kids. It's not because I don't love them, but because I do. Because I don't want them to hurt, I don't want them to feel responsible.
      Just a thought as to why.
      As an aside, I have since remarried, my ex is still not in the kids' lives, we get an email or text once a year or so. And at the end of the day, I believe my kiddos are better off this way. However maybe one day they will be in the UA-cam comments section mentioning all I did wrong-when all I've ever tried to do is what's best for them 🤷🏻‍♀️

    • @11lvr11
      @11lvr11 3 місяці тому

      I absolutely agree

  • @loro9385
    @loro9385 2 роки тому +29

    I had an amazing father. He was a quadraplegic due to polio as a child. He was unstoppable and unflappable. I knew, even as a child, that I had the best dad. Even in my old age I miss him and am grateful for his influence in my life.

  • @debbienorman1308
    @debbienorman1308 Рік тому +12

    My son grew up with no Dad. His Dad died in a car wreck when he was 4 years old. He is 33 now and has overcome many obstacles. This is his story!

  • @SybilNix
    @SybilNix 2 роки тому +66

    I’m going through paper clutter right now and found an 11-page birthday letter (for my 18th birthday) from my dad in which he talks about: abandoning me when I was 13 to write his “book,” making excuses for not paying child support, how his business partners screwed him over and left him broke, stating multiple times that he’s not on drugs, and includes instruction on how to perform the valsalva maneuver to relieve congestion.
    The wave of anger and sadness and grief that just washed over me is immense. I’m sending love out to everybody who was cheated out of their parents love and presence.

    • @SybilNix
      @SybilNix 2 роки тому +8

      He was a peek-a-boo and hide-and-go-seek dad until he left entirely

    • @SelfCareBoss222
      @SelfCareBoss222 Рік тому

      💚💚💚

  • @drislady
    @drislady 2 роки тому +33

    Wow, this was a great. Shame on his father for not showing up! Men need to be held accountable for not being father's. No excuse.

  • @haidenmorgan
    @haidenmorgan 4 місяці тому +9

    "I am 42 years old and I am STILL, playing peekaboo, with my dad."
    Man that was powerful. It's incredible how much I can relate to that. Just so much time and emotion underneath that statement.

  • @deadlydee7239
    @deadlydee7239 Рік тому +20

    growing up with a mean father who is quick to lash out at his family I am learning to be my own father. Thank God my mother is a wonderful parent. This talk has been very helpful.

  • @ToriLynn928
    @ToriLynn928 2 роки тому +89

    My husband was adopted as an infant. I'm so glad for the way that worked out. His biological parents were horrible. My husband's brothers and mother are now gone. My husband to this day resents his father even though he is 36 and had a great loving upbringing. My husband is an amazing amazing father ❤️ and husband!

  • @user-dp5wi6ee8f
    @user-dp5wi6ee8f 3 місяці тому +3

    I feel heartbroken seeing my son walk this lonely path. However, I take solace in knowing that many good men are willing to mentor him and help him on his journey to manhood. take heart, everyone

  • @jordancoinjackson7844
    @jordancoinjackson7844 2 роки тому +62

    Son of an “Invisible” dad here. I have stories similar to waiting by the window as a 6 year old. But it only happened once and ended with me calling his phone to hear its disconnected, to even begging my mom to try to go to his house to see him. Car was gone.
    Ever since I’ve been bootstrapping manhood from whatever wisdom and the internet offer. Mixed success.
    Years pass and people change, try to stop abusing themselves with substances, and look to be better people.
    But the truth is the father I always wanted wasn’t available when I needed him the most. Now we’re just 2 guys hanging out, and it’s something I haven’t fully got over.

    • @jhangzhou1762
      @jhangzhou1762 2 роки тому +7

      You've been through a very difficult childhood. I wish you the best my man. God bless you.

    • @jordancoinjackson7844
      @jordancoinjackson7844 2 роки тому +5

      @@jhangzhou1762 thank you for the kind words, God bless you too!

  • @truthspeaks84
    @truthspeaks84 3 роки тому +138

    I've watched countless TED talks over the past decade or so on many topics. This is by far one of the best TED Talks I've ever seen. I pray that this talk gets a million+ views because there exist too many men still in pain from having grown up without the affirming presence that only dads can give.

  • @humancapitalist
    @humancapitalist Рік тому +17

    I am a social worker. I work with families and children. Unfortunately it is rare to find single fathers or at the least, involved fathers, especially in out-of-wedlock relationships. I am a young woman and not yet a parent. Many laws are still stacked against men in family court. There are also many men who still do not rise to the challenge of parenthood and flake on their duties no matter how willing a mother is. I do not know how to fix the issues, but I believe part of it stems from society treating men as if they are expendable. They are not. They are entirely necessary to the family unit. It's often cyclical, but I do the best I can to motivate those who aim to beat the generational curse. There are wonderful men in the world. All men are not bad. Casting shadows upon a whole gender is futile.

  • @MontageMediaWorks
    @MontageMediaWorks 3 роки тому +43

    10:57 I’m the sibling that holds my twin brother accountable. I used to tell him that he is better than our Pops and I refuse to let him end up like him. It’s finally working years later. 🙌🏾

  • @bwogifarmsuganda
    @bwogifarmsuganda 2 роки тому +22

    This goes so deep for some of us who craved for time with our dads

  • @rachaelgriffiths5747
    @rachaelgriffiths5747 2 роки тому +32

    I totally agree society should should hold men accountable for running away. It tales two to make a child so why is it only one that takes most of the responsibility alot of the time.

  • @karlbale3980
    @karlbale3980 2 роки тому +61

    Being raised without a father is very difficult, but sometimes is the fault of both parents, picking the wrong partner, but I think is not a justification for not working out on the relationship, between them, when only one parent takes the decision of leaving, price to pay is for the kids, because starts a life of new mother partners, feeling as kid more confused and lonely 😔😭

    • @Missdgaf440
      @Missdgaf440 2 роки тому +12

      Only 1 person is at fault and that’s the absent parent

    • @stm9094
      @stm9094 Рік тому +1

      @@Missdgaf440 You do realize there are women that intentionally keep men from their children right?
      As a man in these circumstances you basically have no say until you fork over thousands in attorney fees just for the right to legally be apart of your child's life.
      You have no idea what some people go through if this is your take on ALL absent fathers.

    • @ShadeandShadow4ever
      @ShadeandShadow4ever Рік тому +7

      @@stm9094 The statistics show the majority of fathers in divorce CHOOSE to give full custody to the mothers. They give all sorts of reasons, like "my job keeps me too busy" and "I can't be as good a mother" or "That's the mother's job".
      That's not even mentioning the countless father's who never marry the mother and leave and "Move on with their lives". I'm tired of hearing this baloney. The mother is always stuck with the kids.
      The men are overwhelmingly absent by CHOICE.
      Look up the statistics.

    • @zahirthompson2989
      @zahirthompson2989 Рік тому

      @@ShadeandShadow4ever nah the stats show that women get custody 90% of the time and alienate kids from their father after a divorce/break up. They are also the number 1 abusers of kids. So it isn't hard to imagine why men raise by single mothers end up criminals and women end up strippers/pornstars or future single mother. But yeah keep blaming the father for what the mother has done. And then we wonder why men kill their exwives/baby mommas.
      And the stats show that women leave 80% of time. So that means that women are choosing to be single mothers. You should probably do your research before commenting and blaming men yet again.

  • @tanikawright9663
    @tanikawright9663 9 місяців тому +6

    WHAT ABOUT WOMEN THAT GROW UP WITHOUT FATHERS!!?? Why do people think women suffer less than men without fathers??!

  • @kr5752
    @kr5752 Рік тому +14

    Fatherless for what I can say most of my life from time I know my self, my mother did the best she could, now I got kids of my own and a great wife but still I struggle financially to make ends meet trying to hold my head above water, if I had a boost in life it would have made such a difference. My kids got no grandfather my wife father died many years ago yet my father who is still on this earth don't even know my kids name. As a child I made a promise to my self that if I ever to get kids I would never abandon my kids no matter what. Even thought I struggle I still try to teach my kids the right things. Be the best you can be, as I sit here writing this I know many here are like me. But don't give up never abandoned your kids wife and family stay strong and be blessed. Sometimes I see the pain in my family eyes yet I hurt even more knowing I can't provide properly But one day things will be better.

    • @michaelstorayii7197
      @michaelstorayii7197 Рік тому +1

      Keep going, may you find strength and help in The Lord Jesus.

    • @ahumaneperspective1961
      @ahumaneperspective1961 10 місяців тому

      Keep going Brother!! Don't ever give up for your wife and children. They are what our father up in heaven has given us as irreplacable gifts.

    • @mich5131
      @mich5131 8 місяців тому +1

      Immense respect

    • @TheBubblyBartender
      @TheBubblyBartender 7 місяців тому +1

      Thank you for being there! It makes all the world of difference❤

  • @jennifermoody6987
    @jennifermoody6987 Рік тому +25

    This hit so hard that I'm still reeling from it.. this needs to be spread and discussed more because it's of epic importance and its relevance is ageless..BRAVO 👏 👏 👏

    • @KD400_
      @KD400_ Рік тому +1

      Was ur father absent

  • @XXXMUXICISLIFEXXX
    @XXXMUXICISLIFEXXX 7 місяців тому +3

    I remember crying trying to understand how it was possible that my father didn't love. I could never wrap my head around it.
    Years later, same thing but some broken piece in me has been somewhat fixed when I look at the way my husband loves our child. I was not blessed enought to have that in my life but maybe it needed to happen so that I could choose a partner wisely. Despite all the pain, I'm okay with having to endure the hurt if it means my daughter will have her dad. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

  • @4fthell
    @4fthell 2 дні тому

    We idolized my dad for being funny and talented, when he barely ever spent time with us. Never without my mom

  • @briancollins1089
    @briancollins1089 Рік тому +5

    My father was absent as well however I have 3 kids & I would never under any circumstances abandon my children.

  • @scorpiorisinggg
    @scorpiorisinggg 3 роки тому +30

    This is great. Very enlightening especially for those of us who dealt with absent parents

  • @LiquidGirlfriendFreeBoy
    @LiquidGirlfriendFreeBoy 2 роки тому +17

    Incredible amount of respect for you sir.
    Knowledge is power. Recovery is possible. Personal success is achievable

  • @sandrahall9030
    @sandrahall9030 3 роки тому +13

    Four Es Engaging, Enlightening, Encouraging and Equipping. Love it.

  • @sofiaautore5116
    @sofiaautore5116 Рік тому +3

    I cried the last 2 min of this... truly moving!

  • @mactek32
    @mactek32 10 місяців тому +3

    This is powerful. My father hasn’t been visible in my life for several years, missing some big events and causing some pain. This provides comfort in knowing there’s a way to connect and see a path. Thanks.

  • @princessenzinga528
    @princessenzinga528 3 роки тому +31

    He invited his father but he couldn't make it omg😭😭

    • @KARRIEMABDUL
      @KARRIEMABDUL 3 роки тому +7

      His inability to make it was a symptom of something deeper. Find out what that is.

  • @vsmith6634
    @vsmith6634 2 роки тому +29

    Great video! I'm a single mom with a 3 year old boy who had a peek a boo father until now. I said no more. When you told me your father did not attend after accepting your invitation, I felt that. That empty sadness in my stomach I feel for my son at the end of every day without having his father. I once read that the Lord said "for children without a father - I will be your father". I see that for my son and I hope he has the same strength and perseverance I see in you. Such a gentleman! Thank you for sharing!!!

    • @dr_corrupt1014
      @dr_corrupt1014 2 роки тому +1

      get him a stepfather

    • @boxingchamp5059
      @boxingchamp5059 2 роки тому +7

      @@dr_corrupt1014 It’s Not that easy

    • @tambwekazubangakani5389
      @tambwekazubangakani5389 Рік тому +1

      We continue seeing lots of damages in children growing up without their biological Fathers.

    • @jonathanfennell6647
      @jonathanfennell6647 Рік тому

      I had both my parents and was raised in a poor but happy home.. I have a 7 year old boy who’s mother works hard to make sure I can only see him through court order. I am now a pica-boo dad, just someone to see twice a month.. “uncle dad”.
      I wonder if I could raise him to become a woman.. Or can his mom raise him to become a man??

    • @peternorthrup6274
      @peternorthrup6274 Рік тому

      Is he paying court ordered child support?

  • @MotownWes
    @MotownWes 3 роки тому +39

    Excellent video. I love being in my children’s lives. I want them to be productive members of society. They are my wife’s and I responsibility. We will do all we can to teach and love.

    • @user-yk5xu8gr1e
      @user-yk5xu8gr1e 2 роки тому +2

      @@v.sancheez not having a father is marginally better than having a father and knowingbhe doesnt care

    • @elohiymkingdom9453
      @elohiymkingdom9453 2 роки тому +1

      @@user-yk5xu8gr1e what happens when you don't have both.

  • @davidwalker8625
    @davidwalker8625 7 місяців тому +1

    Thanks for this. It's something that definitely needs more awareness.

  • @icyfilips
    @icyfilips 5 місяців тому +4

    My absent father just died hours ago that's why I'm watching this video. It really hurts because I will never get closure nor apologies from him. I'm still thinking if I should go to his wake or not. Thank you for this video, Sir Kent!

    • @jxrin
      @jxrin 5 місяців тому +1

      Sorry to hear that, rest in peace ur father

    • @icyfilips
      @icyfilips 5 місяців тому

      Thank you so much!!!!@@jxrin

  • @aldoperez537
    @aldoperez537 Рік тому +8

    My father passed away when I was 15. It was during my homecoming day, I was part of a marching band in high school. I was shattered when I had found out. I felt terrible. As days went by, I would numb myself through a substance for about 3 years. I went to rehab voluntarily at age 19. Im 20 now, and I still miss my dad. Father/son relationship is crucial. I will never get to experience that. I am open to seeing positive male mentors.

  • @Beachbby850
    @Beachbby850 Рік тому +5

    I had a father in the home, but he was not ever present . That is worse than not having one at all. Everyday, you’re reminded in real time, just how unimportant you are. Really eats at you after awhile … now I’m a 29 year old woman trying my best to raise a young man that is better than his own, also absent father.

  • @JuliaShalomJordan
    @JuliaShalomJordan Рік тому

    Just beautiful. I’m so sorry for your pain. You are not alone. ❤

  • @Chelle1Love_
    @Chelle1Love_ Рік тому +1

    I love this. I'm sharing this with a father I am working with. Thank you.

  • @LoveAshleyCash1
    @LoveAshleyCash1 2 роки тому +12

    My dad abandoned me at 6 years old and I got so much resentment

  • @echo2713
    @echo2713 Рік тому +1

    Never in my life did i think a video like this would make me cry this hard

  • @god-la-7wins-verdad-942
    @god-la-7wins-verdad-942 3 роки тому +15

    That was beautiful; that show of strength through the pain he's felt... love it thanks

  • @aleah4610
    @aleah4610 14 днів тому

    This man 👌👏🥂💪💪💪 is a eye opener and explains so well the fatherless and the struggles these kids go through. The fatherless see through different lenses/eyes and that is facts!

  • @timhenley3602
    @timhenley3602 2 роки тому +22

    My 'dad' was completely invisible, intangible, incoporeal, immaterial and completely absent and irrelevant in every way that mattered...🙄

    • @tolred6218
      @tolred6218 2 роки тому

      How you handle been a kid without knowing about your father?

    • @ThroughthefireSina
      @ThroughthefireSina Рік тому

      ‘Dad’ I felt that. Mine too & he pitted his daughters against one another. He died, but he was dead alive. God bless his soul.

  • @nahomimatos5555
    @nahomimatos5555 10 місяців тому +3

    I’m so happy that he talked about hollow dads. I had a combo of a stone cold Austin/hollow which then transitioned to an absent father. Wild process. Currently undertaking my internal work regarding that process in my life.

  • @mahmudhaddad2143
    @mahmudhaddad2143 2 роки тому +10

    Why in the world does this great Ted-talk only have 38k views!?

  • @tobydavis5673
    @tobydavis5673 5 місяців тому +1

    I came across your video as I’m trying to help a member of my family get on the right track in raising his two children. He’s been somewhat physically present but hasn’t put his heart or mind into it. He basically has just gone through the motions but not put a true effort into his children’s lives. I may share this video with him as he was raised fatherless. I note from the background you’re possibly on the campus of the University of North Alabama in Florence, AL. I was raised in North Alabama (Decatur) and also graduated from UNA. Keep up the good work.

  • @missmimi6817
    @missmimi6817 2 роки тому +25

    When a person says this about a parent" He/She didn't know any better, that's why he was such way" to this statement I say: YES they knew better! They weren't children, they were full grown adults with choices. And that is to assume responsibility and step up as a parent. Both of my parents were unfit, toxic and selfish. Totally absent, oblivious of what was going on in my life. I was abused and misstreated and both just kept bouncing me back and forth to avoid dealing with me. They both passed kind of tragically but I became the parent they never were. I became that aunt, that person they failed to be as parents. Our free will is there for a reason, it's God's gift to humanity. So YES! we know better unless we have some mental discapacity or are little children or below 20, we are fully responsible of our actions.

  • @asiahnorwood4618
    @asiahnorwood4618 Рік тому +1

    Imagine a father living in the house and having resentment towards you. There is such a thing. I needed this.

  • @ruthy2027
    @ruthy2027 2 роки тому +2

    Thank you for talking about this vitally important subject.

  • @teresabravo564
    @teresabravo564 Рік тому +1

    POWERFUL TALK _REAL!!! Incredible understanding. I've shared this talk with many. Completely on point.

  • @sharonpreston423
    @sharonpreston423 2 роки тому +4

    Your mum has done a great job 👏 😇 she has raised a real gentleman 💪💪🥰🥰

  • @bealltho1
    @bealltho1 2 роки тому +19

    My father left when I was 4 and gave my brother and I up for a closed adoption. I found him 23 years later just so I could abandon him a couple years after we had an established relationship. I hope it hurt. I guess you could say I'm bitter lol

  • @micaelarodriguez9599
    @micaelarodriguez9599 2 місяці тому

    Wow it really hit me at the end when he said he's still playing peekaboo with his dad at age 40.
    BUT he's now able to see who it reflects on when "dad" doesn't show...!
    Currently in my mid thirties and my absent father is reaching out, never known him and I am at a loss for action on my end 🤷🏾‍♀️
    Thank you for this video and for sharing your personal story as well 🙏

  • @chevycadillac7157
    @chevycadillac7157 Рік тому +3

    I could relate to this guy I had a peek’a boo dad. Grew up with a big family household, mom her sisters my brother, grandmother and my grandfather luckily I had my grandfather who was a very good father figure. I feel for the kids who grew up without a good father or father figure.

  • @leonhickson494
    @leonhickson494 3 роки тому +121

    yo wassup psychology students

    • @alexm1841
      @alexm1841 3 роки тому +8

      Haha 🤚🏼 I was my first client 😂

    • @xeniaalexandra2014
      @xeniaalexandra2014 3 роки тому +12

      lmao i wish i was here just for psychology studies 😂

    • @sf5823
      @sf5823 3 роки тому

      Yo! 😊

    • @monat_son
      @monat_son 2 роки тому +2

      @@xeniaalexandra2014 😄 same

    • @sehlaw5311
      @sehlaw5311 2 роки тому +2

      @@xeniaalexandra2014 feel the pain

  • @soojudesherif69
    @soojudesherif69 2 роки тому +2

    Angel dad, this actually brought tears to my eyes

  • @al-karimbhanji4129
    @al-karimbhanji4129 2 роки тому +20

    Great talk. Really well articulated.
    Having grown up without a father I can relate to this and there are some great takeaways.
    One particular thing resonated with me “forgiveness releases the opportunity to move on”
    Thank you for sharing.

  • @NoemiLiba
    @NoemiLiba Рік тому +1

    Thank you for truth. I agree that these men need to be held accountable.

  • @kat9587
    @kat9587 2 роки тому +1

    Amazing talk, thank you 🙏🏻

  • @gillianpaul6467
    @gillianpaul6467 Рік тому +55

    I so want to be part of the movement to address fatherless families. For me I chose not to have children unless I was in a stable relationship. I am 60. I am childless and as a therapist working with women with no men in their lives, I know I made the right choice.
    Keep the conversation going.

    • @ugivemejoy4580
      @ugivemejoy4580 Рік тому +2

      That's idea for some women however you can make the choice to be in a committed relationship have children and a long the line somewhere the father decides he does not want the relationship and abandon the children as well and or now days they are violating their children and can legally not be there or the relationship doesn't work out. As a woman in your profession & position I'm sure you've may have known or exp. This as well as colleagues discussed in meeting among each other to assist in such a case. No disrespect but it happens either way I'm so glad your content with your decision but my children are my blessings I could not imagine life without them. A lot of women end up single moms and sometimes it's for the best. 🙏🏽😇❤️🙌💐

    • @bigdaddy3621
      @bigdaddy3621 Рік тому +2

      That's deep. I often think people that don't want kids had childhood trauma. I grew up without a dad. Not a pain I would wish on anyone else.

    • @annjen8405
      @annjen8405 Рік тому +1

      @@bigdaddy3621 I have Both my parents but in our family there are more male children than female and father (My grandmother had to endure many abuses by my grandfather and cheatings so she left once she was beaten so much that my father who was five or six had to bite on my grandfather's hand to make him let her go .my grandmother's father had also died earlier in her childhood but her brother and mother they were a happy family) is very controlling but not to my brother and my mother is a staunch supporter( because of being a Christian) of my father my paternal grandmother wanted a girl but she did get any but when my mother arrived she would fight with them and at that time I was born and so I became a weapon of defense for them .My mother now she says that she never wanted to do it had to give me to my grandmother to be looked after due to the insistence of my father because he wanted to live without any problems and after three months of my birth my mother again became pregnant with my brother and this had many complications and her womb was almost completely destroyed for another child to ever lay in it and my brother also was born premature .But the problem in all these is that my parents as well and my grandmother everyone started using me from that moment for their own benefits .I even remember once my father beating me when granny fought with him .but afterwards when I grew up I understood that my granny was using me to harm my parents so I distanced myself from the only emotionally parental figure that I thought I had in my mind later I also understood that my parents like always loved me conditionally and even when I became the top most student in my college in my major my parents didn't even congratulate me telling me things implying that I am always going to be a failure in their eyes because I didn't do things that they expected me to do .That day I remembered that once when I was only six or seven at night (almost the whole night my granny and my father fought and both shut doors of their rooms on my face them ( my granny alone in her room and father with mother and my brother in his room and I was standing in the middle area in between both rooms with sheets in my hand then my small brain had already told to me see you are truly alone ).so no matter even if we have one parent ,two parent or no parent (biological or non biological we are born alone .try to not harm others and live your own life your way.

    • @bigdaddy3621
      @bigdaddy3621 Рік тому

      @@annjen8405 wow, that is a lot of drama you experienced as well as your family. Sorry you had to go through that. Did you decide not to have children?

    • @TheBubblyBartender
      @TheBubblyBartender 7 місяців тому

      @@bigdaddy3621 I don’t think it’s always a childhood trauma. Some people have worked with children their whole lives, and they are burnt out on kids. Also, Not everyone likes kids. Not everyone has the tolerance for kids. A lot of people had children and they should not have had children.

  • @SUNSHINESCARFACE
    @SUNSHINESCARFACE Рік тому

    Thank you so much for this💙

  • @veronica-er5hh
    @veronica-er5hh 2 роки тому +2

    Thank u father ❤

  • @cindylu607
    @cindylu607 2 роки тому +11

    My father completely left us with our mom who was unstable...as she struggles with schizoaffective disorder. I found him in my 20's and he wants to say he loves me and he's sorry but he forgot and she was so difficult. Bro don't tell me about difficult. His mom is there making excuses for him too. Zero accountability... Even now, when confronted. It is hopeless.

    • @abdulwahidmire972
      @abdulwahidmire972 Рік тому

      So, be better than him. Be you not him. Be kinder, more tolerant and wiser human. It is easy to blame someone but are you better? If you are any better, be better than what your dad is/was.

    • @beacoley8758
      @beacoley8758 Рік тому +2

      Don’t bother connecting to a person like that. He is not worth the effort. You lived without him for 20 years why bother talking to him.

    • @cindylu607
      @cindylu607 Рік тому +1

      @@beacoley8758 You're right!! It sucks, but I gave up.

  • @seekingthelost7
    @seekingthelost7 Рік тому

    Thank you for the help.

  • @naythanewell5082
    @naythanewell5082 2 роки тому +3

    Not sure why this video does not have the likes that it deserves, however, I'm here to say that SIR YOU ARE GOLDEN, very much a NEED TO TALK ABOUT! I thank you for pouring your heart out into this necessary need topic! Please keep spreading this like a virus! I'm praying that this reach many lives, so that the world can be a better place!!!

  • @ImThatGuyGoddi
    @ImThatGuyGoddi 3 місяці тому +1

    I look at my 5 year old son how attached and how much i love him is what makes me not forgive my dad, i forgive you as a son but as a parent i dont.

  • @Msjiggajoy
    @Msjiggajoy Рік тому +4

    I’m here now watching this at 3:30 a.m. I realized in my adulthood that I really didn’t have my father in my life at all. He’s living but I don’t know anything about him. Stuff hit hard in my adulthood so I’m learning how to cope with it.

  • @DocGibson32
    @DocGibson32 3 роки тому

    Thank You!

  • @byronabel9943
    @byronabel9943 Рік тому +1

    I never got to know my dad until this year, I'm 24. he's homeless and a drunk, my mother passed away this year too, I can't find a job and I didn't graduate, it sucks but I'm keeping my head high and know things will get better with time

  • @Predeter100
    @Predeter100 2 роки тому +2

    Amazing talk

  • @l.i.l.i.r.e.a.d.s.1231
    @l.i.l.i.r.e.a.d.s.1231 Рік тому +6

    My brother is an absent father and we’ve tried to talk to him get him to be involved get him to go to therapy offered to pay . We see his daughters but he rarely does . It’s really sad to see .

    • @peternorthrup6274
      @peternorthrup6274 Рік тому +2

      I guess he figures since he is paying his child support that's enough.

  • @shritabaker1641
    @shritabaker1641 Рік тому +2

    That was beautiful n heartfelt ..im actually a fatherless daughter..but I listened to the whole thing n I loved ..it's like u were talking about my household ..I have 2 boys 15 n 10 ,different fathers n my oldest son father signed for my youngest but still not there for neither kid 😕

  • @theendofmyropemydude
    @theendofmyropemydude 2 роки тому +18

    Hopscotch dad here, it's all the court would allow me to be.
    I hope one day the kids can forgive me for it.

    • @mahahassan369
      @mahahassan369 2 роки тому +7

      At least you care, you have feelings for your kids. My ex refused to see our sick child who is recently diagnosed with a coronial disease.

    • @diamondcover
      @diamondcover 2 роки тому

      @@mahahassan369 Some women are complete loosers. So sorry for you unwell child.

    • @mustafatofiq3987
      @mustafatofiq3987 Рік тому

      There is a hope!
      my father left me for almost 17 years. I have not seen him till now.
      I forgave him, if I see him, I will hug him.
      life can not be handled with resentment.

  • @daughteroftheking3974
    @daughteroftheking3974 2 роки тому +1

    Awesome job! Very informative and inspiring

  • @laurabelickbeaver1650
    @laurabelickbeaver1650 2 роки тому

    Thank you.

  • @ronminghelli2429
    @ronminghelli2429 2 роки тому +5

    Hits home I grew up in a fatherless home & often wonder how my life may be different if he had decided to be involved, but since time machines don't exist, or at least not the government has admitted too I'll never know.

  • @henrykissinger4479
    @henrykissinger4479 6 місяців тому +1

    I am a Disney father to my 4 year old son, little George. I hope im healthy for years to come, it's s wonderful journey.

  • @EFILMUSIC
    @EFILMUSIC 2 роки тому

    Thank you for this

  • @joyjmusic7751
    @joyjmusic7751 Рік тому +8

    This speech was golden. Shout out to your mom for raising an excellent man !

  • @xamaqueen1902
    @xamaqueen1902 2 роки тому

    Made me cry 😢 this video 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

  • @iam_j_el3183
    @iam_j_el3183 Рік тому +3

    Nice talk. I will be accountable when I have my kids 👍👍👍

  • @Mrwillyface69
    @Mrwillyface69 2 роки тому +13

    I never met my dad until I was 23 he wasn’t interested in getting to know me in the slightest he never called me or anything after giving him my number I’m 28 today and haven’t heard from him since. I rember one day when I was about 8 I was told he was coming to see me for the first time I was very happy I had all my toys out ready to play then got told he wasn’t coming. I remember as a kid it bothered me not having a dad seing other kids in the park playing with there dad and stuff like that and always wondered why he didn’t want to know me

    • @pickme2632
      @pickme2632 2 роки тому

      Sad I got 2 kids I’m. Not in there life

    • @diamondcover
      @diamondcover 2 роки тому +1

      That's gotta hurt. I hear you.

    • @mich5131
      @mich5131 8 місяців тому

      @@pickme2632 ????