Marriage and relationship education (MRE) andresponsible fatherhood (RF) programs share the goalof improving the lives of children by strengtheningthe interpersonal skills of their parents. The origins of these program areas are distinct: MRE beganprimarily as a way to prepare couples for marriagewhereas RF was originally designed to prepareunmarried fathers to reconnect with their childrenand families. However, a common purpose has emerged between the two fields. According to the U.S. Census, more than 2.5 million children areraised in families without their biological father. This statistic…
The nation's Child Support Enforcement (CSE) program is a federal/state/tribal/local partnership to promote family self-sufficiency and child well-being. In most states, approximately half of all child support orders are established and enforced by a federal and state financed child support enforcement entity known as the IV-D program (from Title IV-D of the Social Security Act). About one-third of all children in the United States will receive some assistance from CSE and approximately 58 percent of CSE cases involve never-married parents. Services are available to a parent with custody of a…
Brief
This short paper focuses on the role that information giving and other more complex interventions with both parents can play in tackling some of the modifiable variables associated with decline in relationship satisfaction over the transition to parenthood. A wide range of delivery options are considered, including by volunteers and the private sector. (Author abstract)
This information sheet presents findings from a national survey of 1,615 parents of children from birth to three years, conducted by Hart Research for ZERO TO THREE, which shows what is on the minds of fathers and what they need for support in nurturing their young child's healthy development. (Author abstract modified)
Although children eventually grow out of the Terrible Twos, they--and their fathers--face another developmental stage that can present similar challenges. In the pre-teen and teen years, the Other Terrible Toos can strain a dad's tolerance for his child's increasing desire for independence. In addition, the Other Terrible Toos can be a struggle for young people as they enter new environments and new relationships that test their values and self-discipline. This Spotlight suggests ways dads can recognize their children's virtues and character and help them learn to become responsible adults.…
Children need guidance and discipline to grow into responsible, caring adults. Respectful and kind discipline that sets firm limits will teach youth to be responsible. This fact sheet discusses natural and logical consequences that will help youth learn what is expected of them.
Teens are becoming more independent, but they still need their parents' love, support, and guidance. This tip sheet helps parents understand typical teen behavior. It offers suggestions for how parents can use simple, everyday activities to reinforce their connection with their teens and show they care.
This factsheet explores the relationship between social support and father involvement. It reviews findings from research studies that indicate fathers who report having high levels of social support experience better psychological well-being and demonstrate more positive patterns of father involvement and coparenting. Studies suggest spousal/partner support is positively associated with fathers' well-being; high levels of program support are associated with higher reports of fathers' parenting skills; fathers who report high levels of tangible or instrumental support report better well-…
This factsheet explores the impact of stepfather involvement on child well-being. Research is cited that indicates although stepfathers are generally less involved with children than are biological fathers, they can have positive impacts on child and maternal outcomes. Studies suggest: stepfathers are generally less involved with children than are resident biological fathers; stepfathers typically show low levels of positive demeanor toward children and are less likely to express positive feelings toward or be supportive of children; stepfathers are perceived as being less successful at…
Brief
Fathers play an important role as disciplinarians. It is a traditional and accepted role for men in families, though fathers and mothers both share that responsibility. Good discipline is a source of pride for a father and a source of stability for a family. Discipline is challenging: it is a great opportunity to model correct behavior, fairness and firmness. If you want to teach self-control and to be obeyed andrespected, you must show self-control and be consistent. Your behavior will influence your children deeply. (Author abstract modified)
