Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Biography: Aaron Hanania
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
  • Sections
    • Events
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • “MIdnight Flight” Online Book
      • Midnight Flight Book Overview
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Ray Hanania on Politics
    • Two Guys on Politics
    • Hanania on Tiktok
  • News Wire
  • Archive 2004-2013
  • Toggle search form
  • Michael Frerichs Illinois Treasurer
    Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Announces $50 Million Loan Program to Help Federal Workers During Shutdown Economy
  • Kat Abughazaleh 9th DIstrict Congress 2026 candidate democrat
    Federal Grand Jury in Chicago Indicts Six Individuals on Charges of Impeding Federal Agent Engaged in Immigration Enforcement Operations Civil Rights
  • 05-23-25 Jeffery M. Leving
    Little Girl Rescued from Feared Danger and Reunited with Dad News
  • Hastings insurance legislation
    Hastings announces legislation to ensure fair homeowners insurance rates for Illinois families Business
  • Mahnoor Ahmad campaign photo
    Mahnoor Ahmad runs for DuPage County Board seat Democrat
  • Sunday, October 26, the Village of Orland Park formally rededicated its Village Hall in honor of the late former Mayor Fredrick T. Owens
    Village of Orland Park Rededicates Village Hall in Honor of Late Former Mayor Fredrick T. Owens Government
  • Fire at townhome at 13900 block of Berkhansted Court in Orland Park, just before midnight on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025
    Firefighter treated for dehydration battling townhouse fire in Orland Park – no residents injured Fire
  • Firefighters with the Orland Fire Protection District who responded to a fire in an apartment at 15200 block of Al Camino Terrace on Saturday morning said the next day that they did find a kitten that needed respiratory aid that they saved.
    FIRE UPDATE: Fire District releases photos of kitten saved from Orland Park apartment fire Saturday Features
  • two-story apartment building on the 15200 block of El Camino Terrace in Orland Park
    Orland Park apartment fire Saturday morning, no injuries Fire
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings calls for bipartisan action to protect Illinois families from SNAP benefit shutdown Baby Boomers
  • Illinios Industrial Energy Consumers, information ad
    Get information on the Illinois Energy Omnibus Bill in Springfield Business
  • State Senator Mike Porfirio secured over $20 million to support infrastructure improvements and construction in the 11th Senate District.
    Senator Porfirio applauds more than $20 million in infrastructure repairs coming to the 11th District News
  • Dad and daughter reunited Lebving Law firm photo
    Little Girl Recovered and Reunited with Dad After Long Separation Dads' Rights
  • 11-03-25 OFPD Coffee living alone
    Orland Fire hosts meeting on helping Seniors who live alone Nov. 5 Baby Boomers
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Hastings secures $250,000 grant for Easterseals Academy’s Tinley Park campus Health
Fathers Rights Attorney Jeffery M. Leving

Lonely fathers need to take steps to end epidemic and provide good examples to their children

Posted on March 5, 2024March 5, 2024 By Guest Columnist No Comments on Lonely fathers need to take steps to end epidemic and provide good examples to their children
SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  

Lonely fathers need to take steps to end epidemic and provide good examples to their children

By Jeffery M. Leving

Male loneliness is a problem in this country that you may not have heard of but some experts are now calling it an epidemic and saying it is not only hazardous to mens health, it is providing a poor example for kids.

According to a June study published in Nature, people that are socially isolated, which is another way of saying lonely, have a 32% higher chance of dying early than those who are not. Richard Reeves, author of “Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male Is Struggling, Why It Matters, and What to Do About It,” concurs with this and notes in this book that one of the most common words in men’s suicide notes is the word “worthless.”

The reasons why some men feel worthless is because of a lack of friendships, especially among fathers, the experts say.

A 2021 survey from the Survey Center on American Life backed this up, showing that less than 50% of men report being satisfied with their friendships, and only 1 in 5 said they received emotional support from a friend in the last week, compared with 4 in 10 women.

Fathers Rights Attorney Jeffery M. Leving
Fathers Rights Attorney Jeffery M. Leving

 

Experts say that close friendships provide for better mental and physical health, and help fight off loneliness, which has proven to be a health hazard. For fathers, the numbers were even worse than the numbers for males in general and are part of what behavioral experts call the male loneliness epidemic.

 

Plainly put, many fathers are having a hard time finding connection and friendship — and this applies to both fathers who work remotely from home and those who go into a place of work every day.

Interestingly, as kids, boys and girls have about the same amount of friends as girls, but researchers have found that beginning in late adolescence, the amount of friendships between males begin to dwindle. Not surprising to me, the main reason for the falloff of friendships between men seem to be stereotypes and social pressures.

Men who express their vulnerability, which is usually necessary to form close friendships, are often afraid they will be viewed as weak, or less than a man. It’s a stigma that may be outdated, but one that sadly still exists. However, it is one that needs to be addressed, especially by men who want to be positive role models for their children.

Traditionally, many men made long-term bonds and friendships through religious institutions and from their place of work which often were overwhelmingly male. These days, many of those traditional male institutions have been eroded and while the addition of women has been a positive thing, it has eroded some of the support men would usually get among themselves.

Making the situation worse, many fathers, especially divorced fathers, are regarded as unnecessary people who complicate parenting instead of essential figures that help their children grow into healthy adults. The experts say this type of attitude has impacted the self-esteem of many fathers, causing many to feel worthless and sometimes lead them to disengage from their family and/or disappear within themselves.

This is not good for them or their children. What seems to be needed are the creation of communities that encourage fathers to participate more and be proud of who they are. Fathers need to seek mentorship and places where they can find true friends.

Experts say men need to not be afraid to take on caregiver roles such as teachers, nurses and childcare workers to help break many of these stereotypes.

Men also need to join their community and not be afraid to appear vulnerable. Simply put, many fathers need to realize that admitting vulnerability is a strength rather than a weakness. Experts say the best way to find real friends is to listen to others and ask real questions.

People love when someone is interested in them and often will be more than willing to provide mentorship and also share their own stories and vulnerabilities, which leads to trust on both sides. It is something that cannot be forced but being open to new friendships is often the key.

Fathers also need to realize that this will not only help them, it will help their children, as children will often emulate their father’s behavior no matter if it’s healthy or unhealthy. This is something all fathers should keep in mind, which should lead to them being more likely to ignore outdated stereotypes and do something that may seem risky, but will pay off handsomely for them and their children.

Attorney Jeffery M. Leving is the recipient of President Biden’s 2023 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. Leving, who has dedicated his career to safeguarding children and reuniting them with their fathers, has written three acclaimed books: “Fathers’ Rights,” “Divorce Wars” and “How to be a Good Divorced Dad,” the latter of which was praised by President Obama and by Cardinal Francis E. George, then the Archbishop of Chicago. Follow Jeffery M. Leving on Facebook and X @DadsRights.

newswire info
  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Guest Columnist
Guest Columnist
Guest Columnist at Independent Column Contributors
Suburban Chicagoland accepts guest columns.

The opinions of the guest columnists do not necessarily represent the views of Suburban Chicagoland, its owners, editors, of staff and are the opinions of the writer. For information on the writers contact them using the email in their shirttail at the bottom of the column.
Guest Columnist
Latest posts by Guest Columnist (see all)
  • The Politicization of the Nobel Peace Prize — and Trump’s Fury Over Losing Again - October 11, 2025
  • Dad reunited with young daughter after ex-wife obtained baseless Order of Protection against him - May 24, 2024
  • Word of mouth helps homeowner get $6,805 refund for missed exemptions  - March 5, 2024
NPV: 59
  • Tweet

SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  
 
 
 
           
Blogger, Commentary, Guest Commentary, Jeffery Leving, Law, Opinion Tags:attorney, author, Dads' rights, father's rights, Jeffery M. Leving, lawyer, Male loneliness, Richad Reeves, self-esteem

Post navigation

Previous Post: High-speed crashes kill third most often in Illinois
Next Post: Word of mouth helps homeowner get $6,805 refund for missed exemptions 

Related Posts

  • Photo submitted by Jeffery M. Leving and Associates
    Leving team protected dad’s daughter from danger and restored his peace of mind Chicago
  • Dads' Rights Attorney Jeffery M. Leving
    Gaining clients relief from child support arrearages to be topic of Leving firm CLE seminar Chicago
  • Stop blaming the police when a child out way past curfew carrying a gun is shot by police. Hold the parents accountable.
    Stop blaming police for killing of 13-year-old out on the street in middle of the night Blogger
  • Dads' Rights Attorney Jeffery M. Leving
    Daughter threatened saved by father in legal fight, Leving says Civil Rights
  • Lauren Staley-Ferry, Will County Board member and candidate for Will County Clerk in the March 20, 2018 Democratic Primary election
    Will County Clerk race shows how little media cares about real issues Blogger
  • Some of Ray Hanania's syndicated columns from the week of Feb. 24, 2024. Subscribe at www.RayHanania.com
    Hanania’s columns: Dune review, Pekau’s disrepect in Orland, #AbandonBiden and Best Middle East Bakeries Baby Boomers

More Related Articles

Israeli soldiers man checkpoints controlling the movement of Christians and Muslims in the occupied territories of the West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem. Photo courtesy Maria Khoury Understanding the conflict between Israel and Palestine Blogger
Chad Kinsella, Professor of Political Science Ball State University What impact will the battle over Ginsburg vacancy on the US Supreme Court have on the Presidential election? Blogger
Former Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin files petitions to unseat beleaguered Mayor Keith Pekau. Photo courtesy of McLaughlinc ampaign Pekau uses Orland Village Board to put politics over people Blogger
Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia The media’s obsession with Mike Madigan Blogger
Father and two daughters Jeffery M Leving Father’s Fight to Protect his Abused and Badly Beaten Daughters Dads' Rights
Orland Park Village lacks experience to manage COVID-19 vaccine distribution Blogger

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
  • OPINION
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Your Mortgage Company May Pay Your Taxes — But You Still Need to Watch
    October 17, 2025
  • Mohammed Faheem The Lightning Strike Radio Show small
    The Politicization of the Nobel Peace Prize — and Trump’s Fury Over Losing Again
    October 11, 2025
  • 06-04-25 Two Guys on Politics Background Zoom LOGO with images
    Video Podcast: Trump Kimmel Kirk Great American Divide Illegal Aliens polling and Illegal Aliens and ICE
    September 20, 2025
  • Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch speaking at a West Side affordable housing dedication
    Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, one of the best candidates to become Illinois Governor
    September 7, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    What You’re Missing on Your Property Tax Bill
    September 5, 2025
Subscribe to Ray Hanania's column graphic

Enter Your Email to Subscribe to Ray Hanania’s Columns

  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png

Mohammed Faheem The Lightning Strike Radio

  • NEWS
  • Michael Frerichs Illinois Treasurer
    Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Announces $50 Million Loan Program to Help Federal Workers During Shutdown
    October 30, 2025
  • Kat Abughazaleh 9th DIstrict Congress 2026 candidate democrat
    Federal Grand Jury in Chicago Indicts Six Individuals on Charges of Impeding Federal Agent Engaged in Immigration Enforcement Operations
    October 30, 2025
  • 05-23-25 Jeffery M. Leving
    Little Girl Rescued from Feared Danger and Reunited with Dad
    October 30, 2025
  • Hastings insurance legislation
    Hastings announces legislation to ensure fair homeowners insurance rates for Illinois families
    October 29, 2025
  • Mahnoor Ahmad campaign photo
    Mahnoor Ahmad runs for DuPage County Board seat
    October 29, 2025
John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE TO RAY HANANIA'S YOUTUBE VIDEOS


Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.

Follow Ray Hanania at
Twitter
Facebook
TitkTok
BlueSky
RayHanania Columns

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

Categories

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme