Fatherhood in America is changing. Today, fathers who live with their children are taking a more active role in caring for them and helping out around the house, and the ranks of single fathers have grown significantly in recent decades. At the same time, more and more children are growing up without a father in the home. The changing role of fathers has introduced new challenges as dads juggle the competing demands of family and work. Here are some key findings about fathers from Pew Research Center. (Author introduction modified)
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…
This factsheet explores the relationship between men's pregnancy intentions with the quantity and quality of fathers' later involvement with their children and partners, and for child well-being. Research is cited that indicates men who report that a partner's pregnancy was unintended are likely to exhibit lower levels and poorer quality of involvement with their children following birth. In addition, men's pregnancy intentions are associated with the quality of the father-mother relationship and with children's cognitive and socioemotional well-being. Studies suggest: men whose…
This information sheet discusses how biological fathers can rebuild their relationship with their children. Fathers are urged to reach out to a mentor to help them become a loving father and engage in the following strategies: be involved with children as much as possible, show acceptance of children for who they are rather than only for what they do, demonstrate affection through loving words or appropriate touch, and be consistent in personal characteristics and fathering habits. Discussion questions are listed, as well as suggested actions, movies, and books.
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.
Designed for marriage practitioners, this brief explains the importance of commitment in marriage. Strategies that can be shared with couples to enhance their commitment are listed and include: create a commitment statement, greet each other personally and physically each day, talk and stay connected about hopes, dreams, and stresses, spend both quality and quantity time together, be best friends with your spouse, recognize that memories and traditions expand commitment, share spiritual or religious activities together, value doing small acts of kindness for your spouse, and make intimacy a…
Designed for marriage practitioners, this brief explains the importance of trust in relationships and offers strategies for teaching the value of trust to couples. The keys to trust are explained and include investing time in each other, reliability, understanding, sacrifice, and thankfulness.
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…
Dating violence is a serious concern for today's teens and parents. According to the National Youth Violence Prevention Center, about 20% of teens have experienced abuse in a dating relationship. Parents often under estimate their influence on teens when it comes to dating and sex. But parents play a vital role in helping teens recognize the red flags of an unhealthy relationship and ending an abusive relationship. When you talk frequently and openly with your teens, they are more likely to turn to you in a time of crisis. The following tips and strategies can help you open the lines of…
Eighty-two percent of 18 to 30 year olds expect to be married for life. Researchers have found that the building blocks of healthy adult marriages are formed during the teenage years. Parents may be nervous about talking to their teens about relationships or marriage, but they are a critical influence in their teen's life. When asked "Who influences you most when it comes to your dating relationships?" teens named their parents first (35 percent). Parents' values seem to be related to teen values and, subsequently, teen behaviors. Show your teen you care, listen respectfully to his or her…
