Raising a child is one of the most gratifying jobs you’ll ever have and one of the toughest. Try as you might to be the best parent you can, our complex world challenges you every day with disturbing issues that are difficult for children to understand and for parents to explain. But explain we must, or we miss a critical opportunity. Research shows that children, especially those between the ages of 8 and 12, want their parents to speak with them about today’s toughest issues, including violence. Even when they reach adolescence, they want to have a caring adult in their lives to discuss…
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Parents agree that open parent/child communication is invaluable when raising children. Yet, when kids sit down and talk to parents about tough issues like violence, sex, alcohol/drugs, and HIV/AIDS, they are more often sitting with mom than with dad. This may have more to do with fathers missing conversation opportunities or avoiding certain topics than with a lack of connection between dads and their kids. (Author abstract)
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Getting your teenage son to talk with you can be one of the greatest challenges of your fathering career, but it is doable. How do you bridge the gap? This discussion takes a look at three suggestions. (Author abstract)
This chapter discusses the important role of fathers in aiding their children's development through interaction and play and connecting with their children through the language of play to communicate, help them cope with life, comprehend the world around them, and assist them achieving success in their pursuits. The benefits associated with play for children are considered, as well as the benefits to fathers. 14 references.
The relationship between fathers, reading, and children's well being is documented and specific benefits of joint book reading for fathers and their children are identified. Practical suggestions on how fathers can use reading to strengthen their children's literacy skills and overall quality of the father-child relationship are offered. The impact of the Fathers Reading Every Day program is highlighted. 18 references.
A resource from the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, this tip sheet provides advice on how to communicate with teachers and other leaders at your child's school if you're dealing with bullying.
A resource from the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, this tip sheet provides a list of ways to support your child through this very painful experience.
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This fact sheet expresses the importance and offers tips on self-care for single parents.
Starting a conversation with another parent can sometimes be a little intimidating. Dads can feel a little awkward in starting or carrying on a parenting conversation, particularly if they don't know the other person in that conversation well (or at all). This fact sheet offers tips on connecting with other parents including finding other dads with similar interests, the best ways to initiate contact, as well as what kinds of conversations to have with women with children. (Author abstract modified)
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Training Materials Unfortunately, many men behind bars are fathers in name only. This workbook will help to change this. Being a parent is a huge responsibility and this workbook aims to help incarcerated fathers understand this fact and to give them the guidance they need to meet the challenges that accompany being a dad. The job of a father is constantly changing. The author examines the differences of being a father of a small child as opposed to a teenager. This practical workbook looks at such topics as communication, discipline, reunification and more. This is a hands-on resource that should be given to…
