Cord Byrd: “recently there has been a spate of articles regarding the increase in the number of single parent homes, based upon the…”

“recently there has been a spate of articles regarding the increase in the number of single parent homes, based upon the latest census data. Last month, Newsweek's cover story was ``The New Single Mom: Why the Traditional Family is Fading Fast, What It Means for Our Kids.'' The number of families headed by single mothers has increased 25 percent since 1990, to more than 7.5 million households. Although divorce and widowhood certainly contribute to this figure, the number of out-of-wedlock births has run at about one third of all births for the last decade, compared to 3.8 percent of all births in 1940. Let me say that again. The number of out-of-wedlock births has run at about one-third of all births for the last decade, compared to 3.8 percent of all births in 1940. Not all single parent households are headed by women. The number of single fathers has also increased, to just over 2 million families. Nevertheless, what I found most striking about the articles I read was the apparently growing trend of women who choose for whatever reason to put off marriage, but who still decide to go ahead and have children, whether by birth or adoption. The thinking seems to be: Don't settle for less than Mr. Perfect, but if the biological alarm is ringing, don't put off having children, either. As Father's Day approaches, I do wish to say a few words in defense of men, particularly men in the role of father. Men are not perfect.…”