The huge popularity of the parent-child variety show Dad, Where Are We Going? has pushed the issue of the father’s role in education into the public spotlight. Too often fathers have been absent, either physically or emotionally, from key decisions, said an article in the People’s Daily (excerpts below).

The surprisingly high audience rating of the program is not just due to its winning formula. It also shows a greater public engagement in the role of fathers in the full development of children.

Fathers have an economic and emotional role to play in family life. On too many occasions, the economic has taken precedence over the emotional.

With accelerating urbanization many “l(fā)eft-behind” children remain in rural areas, separated away from parents, especially their fathers.

Mothers have had to take on an increased burden.

A father should play a significant part in bringing up a child and giving it the skills needed to cope. Mothers, of course can do this, but they should not have to do it alone.