This information sheet offers advice to fathers on strengthening their emotional bond with their children in order to prepare them for the physical separation of military deployment. It also contains a list of online tools to help children cope and families stay connected during deployment.
This information sheet provides a few fundamental steps for fathers to follow for building strong and healthy adult relationships in order to positively influence the types of relationships their children will have. It also includes additional resources for more information on healthy relationships.
"Gatekeeping" is the term used in this infosheet to describe the mother's behaviors that act as a gate to open or close the door to father involvement. Gatekeeping is not always a bad thing. It can occur for positive reasons (to protect the safety of the child, for example) but it may also happen for reasons unrelated to the child (to punish a father after a break-up, for example).This infosheet is intended to help professionals engage mothers to engage the fathers of their children in healthy ways. This document provides ideas for working with families to recognize and eliminate or reduce…
This infosheet is intended to help professionals engage mothers to engage the fathers of theirchildren in healthy ways. It focuses on the active role professionals can take in talking with mothers about fathers and includes suggestions on the language we use to talk about fathers. The focus here on the mother's role in father involvement is not intended to diminish the father's responsibility to participate in the child's upbringing. Nor are we suggesting thatprofessionals limit attempts to engage fathersdirectly. Here, we are recognizing that professionals who work with mothers have a…
Intended for biological fathers, this information sheet discusses the positive impact stepfathers can have on children and how a parenting partnership with the other father can benefit children. Biological fathers are urged to communicate with stepfathers, work together on school and homework issues, and take a genuine interest in their children. Discussion questions are included, as well as a list of recommended books.
It is exciting to get married. Marriage offers the opportunity to create a new family and new traditions. However, getting married when there are children involved can bring with it a new set of challenges and anxieties about making your relationship work successfully for a lifetime. Stepfamilies are very common, but creating one can be challenging. In the United States, more than 1,300 stepfamilies are formed every day. It is a great responsibility to model healthy relationships for your children, and now is the perfect time to show them your best stuff! This tip sheet is designed to help…
This year, celebrate Father's Day in a big way--or a small way-- but celebrate in the best way, which means taking time to be with your children. Here are some suggestions for easy, no-cost or low-cost ways to spend meaningful time with your family on Father's Day. Everyone's circumstances are different, so some of these activities might not be possible for you and your children. But starting this Father's Day, make time to do as many activities as you can throughout the coming year. (Author abstract)
As a dad, you may often feel as if you're pulled in a dozen directions at once. With so much competing for your attention, reading a book might be low on your list of priorities. But books about parenting can give you great insight into what it really means to be a father today, provide the children's perspective on a father's impact on their lives, or help you become enthusiastic about spending more time with your children. And you will become a terrific role model for your children when they see you enjoying and using the knowledge books bring us. (Author abstract)
Rainy day? Snowed in? Looking for something to do for a few hours on a Saturday? Here are some movies that you and your children can enjoy together and discuss the lessons they highlight. Before selecting a movie, check its rating and description to ensure it is appropriate for your children. For example, Finding Nemo may be great to watch with your preschooler, while The Lord of the Rings may be too mature for that age group. (Author abstract)
Too often, Father's Day is recognized with a greeting card or a less than flattering tie--neither of which has real meaning or adequately expresses the thanks the dads in your program deserve for all they do throughout the year. This year, your program has the opportunity to make Father's Day meaningful and memorable for the dads with whom you work. Start by encouraging them to be positive role models for their children and become involved in their children's lives. (Author abstract)
