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.
What has a more powerful influence on how parents raise their young children: the way they were raised or their faith? What roles do professionals and friends play in shaping parents? views on childrearing? What impact is the economic downturn having on child care arrangements for young families? These questions and more are some of the issues addressed in a new national parent survey of 1,615 parents of children from birth to 3 years conducted for ZERO TO THREE by Peter Hart Research. The survey was designed to explore the issues and challenges that parents of young children confront today,…
Brief
This brief discusses the need to delay early or unplanned fatherhood, and calls on policy makers intensify their focus on the responsibilities of men in preventing teen and unplanned pregnancy by addressing pregnancy planning and prevention in federally funded programs serving significant numbers of men, and reaching men more effectively in family planning programs. It recommends pregnancy planning and prevention be included as a component of such programs as responsible fatherhood, healthy relationships and marriage, education and workforce development, juvenile justice, and re-entry…
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…
Many parents believe that physical punishment is an acceptable form of discipline. But child behavior research shows that there are far more effective ways to change children's challenging and upsetting behaviors. This publication provides parents with the facts on the negative impact of physical punishment, and introduces parents to effective alternatives to physically disciplining their children. (Author abstract)
Raising well-behaved kids is a challenge. Although there is no "right way" to do it, there are some methods that work better than others. This fact sheet provides parents and caregivers with positive, proven techniques for changing problem behaviors and setting the tone for a peaceful and happy home. (Author abstract)
Brief
When families make the news, it is often for negative reasons such as violence or abuse. Negative perceptions of low-income families tend to be especially strong. However, families are critical to the positive development of children and youth, as well as to problems that may affect that development. Thus, it is important to examine not just the deficits, but also the assets and strengths that families of all income levels bring to raising children.This Research Brief reports on the results of new Child Trends analyses of data from the 2005 Every Child Every Promise Study conducted by America…
As part of her Happiness Project-- an account of the year she spent test-driving every conceivable principle about how to be happy, from the wisdom of the ages to current scientific studies-- the author provides strategies on being a more light-hearted parent. Her tips include: make each child helpless with laughter, sing in the morning, wake up before your kids, cut back on treats and impulse buys, try to cast answers as "yes," look for little ways to celebrate, repetition works, say "no" only when it really matters, and remind yourself how fleeting this is.
