Forest City Fathers

Involved Dads Make For Happier Families

Family roles continue to change, especially in today's over-scheduled, stressful environment. Studies show that about two-thirds of mothers of young children have outside employment. Currently, about 40 percent of fathers work over 50 hours per week at work. The conflict between career and family continues, and child care from dad is especially needed in a two-career family.

With all that said, dads in most cases are no longer wanting only the role of "breadwinner." Fathers are trying to spend more quality time with their kids. According to the article, "Promote Father Participation in Early Child Care Programs," from Parents, Inc., while more fathers are becoming more involved in their children's lives, over half of all fathers in two-parent families have no significant involvement at their child's school (including child care).

That number increases to 82 percent when discussing fathers who do not live with their children.

At the same time, research from a U.S. Department of Education study indicates that the role of fathers in school and child care helps with the achievement of children. Research found that the children from two-parent homes where fathers participated in activities (such as school meetings; parent-teacher conferences; school or child care activities or events; or volunteerism) were more likely to receive higher grades, participate in extracurricular activities, and be happier in a child care or school setting.

To identify participation priorities and determine strategies that would make it easier for all fathers to participate in child care education programs, the Parents, Inc., article indicated that Beach Center researchers surveyed 318 fathers whose children attended National Association for the Education of Young Children accredited programs, Head Start Programs, infant and toddler with disabilities programs and programs for preschool-aged children with disabilities. The researchers also surveyed about 200 service providers in six states about their father involvement perceptions and strategies. Of the dads surveyed, 80 percent indicated some level of participation in their child care or education program.

The Beach Center reported five strategies that promote participation by dads in programs. Care providers should take note and parents can make these requests to their child's caregiver or program to help facilitate involvement by fathers. They include:

1. Offer activities for both parents. Child care providers sometimes say fathers prefer activities specifically for dads only. The study says otherwise, indicating that dads prefer to attend activities with their wives and families. These types of activities include preschool parties, PTA, volunteer position that husband and wife can do together, parenting classes, and projects.

2. Schedule activities after work hours on weekdays or on weekends. Plan according to when most working parents can indeed attend. If additional father involvement is sought, care programs and activities should be scheduled accordingly.

3. Sponsor activities that teach fathers how to help their children learn. Parenting programs that encourage the "learning" process in addition to the emotional side of child care helps to reach out to dads.

4. Showcase pictures of fathers and children around the daycare, school, home and in a child's room. This simple visual method reinforces the importance of fatherhood.

5. Tell dads how much you appreciate their involvement. Fathers should be told thank you and given support throughout the year and not just on Father's Day. Dads contribute to the financial, emotional and academic success of children, and need to be praised for their efforts.

Care providers, schools, and churches are reaching out more to dads through a variety of ways. Some day care programs and schools are establishing Dad's Clubs so that men can network more easily and establish an effective role in their child's lives in other ways than traditional extracurricular or sporting activities. Some churches offer training or informational series on the role of fatherhood and involvement with their children. Many care programs are emphasizing the role of dads more in the nurturing and raising of children through programs and activities tailored toward men.

The bottom line is that most dads want to do their part well with raising children to become successful adults and any extra help, guidance, support and reinforcement is desired as much by dads as moms. And, the best part is that children benefit through happier families working together and dads and moms involved productively in their lives.

"Believe in yourself and your potential to be an active, caring father. Every child deserves a loving, involved father."