Magginnis later states that, “Boys who do not have fathers as male role models
suffer especially”. While it is extremely important for a male child to have his father
around, there are other ways of teaching a young boy the lessons he needs to become a
man. I know from personal experience that what the author of this article is trying to
convey is wrong. I never had my father around while growing up and I did in fact have
many positive male role models. My Grandfather was always there to help guide me as I
slowly blossomed into a young man. Anytime my mother had to work to support us, my
grandparents, aunt’s, uncles and cousins would step up and provide the time and attention
I needed. Therefore, I had the best support group I could have had as a young man. Being
a child with a single mother had its benefits. Although I came to find how hard it really
was for her to always meet the needs of her child, she did the best job that she possibly
could and gave me the knowledge that I needed to become a successful man without the
guidance of my father.