The involvement of fathers in their children's' activities is recognized as a critical factor in early child development and the emotional well being of older children. This article examines research data on the importance of fathers' participation in the lives of their children, personal characteristics of involved and disengaged fathers, and activities that fathers more typically share with their children. The author notes that while activities such as helping with homework or engaging in religious activities might not seem special to many fathers, they are special to children and to their…
The increase in the number of children being born to unmarried parents present a number of social policy issues for strengthening the involvement of unwed fathers with their children. This working paper examines trends in out-of-wedlock childbearing, the influence of fathers in child development, and how social policies such as welfare, child support, and fathering programs affect unwed fathers and their family involvement. The authors discuss a number of studies that have found paternal involvement to be associated with better emotional, behavioral, and developmental outcomes in children, as…
The best interests of the child are not being served by court practices that severely restrict a father's access to his children. This book describes the negative consequences of father absence for children and outlines the benefits of joint custody arrangements. The chapters summarize psychiatric and psychological literature about the importance of both parents to child development and provide a history of the evolution of the family and family law. Children's rights and international law, injustice in the court system, and demographics are discussed. The book also provides a father's…
