Public perceptions of fatherhood changed dramatically during the Machine Age in the 1920s and 1930s as gender roles became less polarized and social science advocated the benefits of father-child relationships. This book describes the economic, political, and social factors that contributed to the modern view of fatherhood, emphasizing the similarities with today's image of fathers as provider, playmate, and male role model. The social construction is important to contemporary fathers and mothers as they consider the evolution and future of fatherhood in the United States. The chapters…
This report provides an overview of State trends to promote responsible fatherhood, identifies and profiles specific State strategies to encourage fathers to be responsible, and summarizes State-by-State fatherhood-related data. Data was gathered between February and May of 1997 by the staff of both the National Center for Children in Poverty and the Council of Governors' Policy Advisors. The analysis is based on responses from all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Findings indicate that by 1996, 27% of all families were headed by mothers only and that the number of…
This manual provides an overview of the evaluation process, with special considerations for programs funded by the Administration for Children, Youth, and Families (ACYF). The text describes why evaluations are important and explains each step of the process, whether an outside evaluator is used or the evaluation is being conducted by in-house staff. Topics include: purpose, cost, types of evaluation teams, selecting and managing outside contractors, organizational preparation for the evaluation, evaluation plans, data collection, analysis, and reports. In general, program managers should…
In this intergenerational collection of poetry by new and established African American writers, fatherhood is celebrated with honor, humor, and grace. Folami Abiade, Dinah Johnson, Carole Boston Weatherford, Dakari Hru, Michael Burgess, E. Ethelbert Miller, Lenard D. Moore, David Anderson, Angela Johnson, Sonia Sanchez, and Davida Adedjouma all contribute. Javaka Steptoe, who also offers a poem, employs an inventive range of media to bring each of the poems to life. In Daddy's Arms I Am Tall testifies to the powerful bond between father and child, recognizing family as our greatest gift, and…
Divorced But Still My Parents is a textbook, workbook and storybook for children ages six through twelve. Based on the grief recovery model, this guide gently encourages boys and girls to understand the feelings caused by the parents' separation, and gives them specific strategies to cope. Parents can read Divorced But Still My Parents along with their children, and support the acceptance of changes in the family structure. Instructors in childrens' groups recommend Divorced But Still My Parents as an invaluable textbook for children. (Author abstract)
Becoming a stepfather means new relationships, new struggles, and new joys. This book is a commonsense, practical guide that helps stepfathers ease into their new role. The author emphasizes how stepfathers must replace wishful thinking with realistic expectations. Suggestions for getting along with stepchildren and building lasting relationships, managing conflict, establishing authority, and communicating in a positive way are all included to help men fully enjoy the rewards of being a stepfather. (Author abstract modified)
Cooking With Dad is a "how-to" and a "teaching" book. While making Pink Soup and "cleaning" a fish, you have an excellent opportunity to teach some history, physics, biology, chemistry, and math. (Author abstract)
This book is designed to help couples improve their relationship skills and avoid risks inherent in living as a couple. It begins by discussing the power of two and the challenges of contemporary marriage. Part 1 on the basics of collaborative dialogue teaches skills for communicating with a partner. Chapters share secrets to talking, listening, and to successful dialogue. Part 2 on dealing with differences describes techniques for handling the challenges presented by conflict. Chapters address fix-it talk, using anger as a stop sign, receiving anger without fighting, cleanup procedures after…
This chapter examines the failure of child welfare and permanency planning services to incorporate African American men as significant and serious participants in the service delivery process. Child welfare and permanency planning services have marginalized African American men such that children fail to benefit from the inclusion of these men in the service delivery process. This incomplete and inappropriate approach to permanency planning specifically, and to child welfare services more generally, is a disservice to African American children. Corrective measures are proffered to promote…
This chapter explains the concept of machismo and its implications for work with Latino men and their families. Machismo stems from traditional religious and legal values which established the power and authority of fathers over their children and descendants. This absolute authority is perceived by the dominant Anglo culture as over-controlling. However, machismo values also promote a bond between fathers and their children. Positive characteristics of machismo include the responsibility of the father to guide and protect their children and other vulnerable family members. The self-respect…
