NCJ Number
200336
Date Published
August 2000
Length
52 pages
Annotation
This document provides information and guidance for fathers on interacting with their children.
Abstract
When a father plays a visible and nurturing role in his children’s lives, it leads to better outcomes for his children and himself. Children are more likely to have stronger coping and adaptation skills, stay in school longer, have longer lasting relationships, and have higher work productivity. Fathers are more likely to have better overall health, have higher self-esteem, and have more satisfaction with work. Children are at greater risk for adverse consequences when born into a single-parent setting because the social, emotional, and financial resources available to the family may be more limited. There is an increased risk of poverty, emotional disorders and depression, poorer performance in schools, substance abuse, and higher rates of teen sexual activity. There is also an increased risk of landing in jail and welfare dependency. Massachusetts programs and resources are listed to help fathers locate programs that meet their needs and interests, and to help bring together human service professionals to further their work for fathers. Also listed are national resources, Internet resources, and books about fathering. Ten ways to be a better dad are to respect the child’s mother, spend time with children, earn the right to be heard, discipline with love, read to children, show affection, eat together as a family, be a teacher and role model, realize that a father’s job is never done, and join a fathers group. Questions to ask a child to get to know him/her better and activities to do with children of all age groups are included. Eight steps for better listening include maintaining good eye contact, watching the child, and actively giving nonverbal feedback. Tips for non-married parents include keeping a flexible routine, sharing time with the child, and taking the anger out of communications. There is a list of books to share with children. 37 footnotes