Commitment Needed by Divorced Dads.

• Position: PSYCHOLOGY

Roughly half of all children will see their parents divorce. Many of them end up spending less time with their father as a result. With family courts skewed toward the mother, it leaves fathers unsure how to still be a force in their child's life. Yet, the research shows their presence is crucial when it comes to raising healthy, happy, well-adjusted kids.

"Mothers and fathers give different, but equally important things to their children," explains Jeff Steiner, executive director of Dad's Resource Center, State College, Pa. "Children need both parents fully involved in their upbringing to have the best chance of being successful in life. Even more so in separating families, parents need to focus on their core responsibilities to their children."

Here are four commitments that every divorced dad should make:

Ensure children are the primary focus. 'Through actions and words, the safety, health, and well-being of the children must always come first. By making that the focus, you will avoid petty fighting just for the sake of power or to get back at the other parent."

Respectfully co-parent with the children's mother. "Focusing on being positive and respectful sends a powerful message to the children...