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Training Materials The Relationship Checkup is a series of questions designed and sequenced to initiate and encourage ongoing dialogue between dads and their children. It’s a structured way to have a heart-to-hearttalk about two central themes: everyday lives and the relationship with each other.
Brief
This short paper focuses on the role that information giving and other more complex interventions with both parents can play in tackling some of the modifiable variables associated with decline in relationship satisfaction over the transition to parenthood. A wide range of delivery options are considered, including by volunteers and the private sector. (Author abstract)
Hart Research Associates conducted a national public opinion poll of 1,615 parents of children age birth to three years for ZERO TO THREE in June, 2009. Based on United States Census data, the sample is representative of parents of children ages birth to three years old, as it pertains to basic demographic characteristics such as race, ethnicity, age, and educational attainment. The survey was designed to explore issues and challenges that parents of young children confront today, where gaps in knowledge of early development exist, identify what sources of information and support these…
As described in earlier articles, children whose parents have higher income and education levels are more likely to grow up in stable two-parent households than their economically disadvantaged counterparts. These widening gaps in fathers' involvement in parenting and in the quality and stability of parents' relationships may reinforce disparities in outcomes for the next generation. This paper reviews evidence about the effectiveness of two strategies to strengthen fathers' involvement and family relationships-- fatherhood programs aimed at disadvantaged noncustodial fathers and relationship…
Family Expectations (FE) is a program in Oklahoma City designed to strengthen the relationships of low-income couples who are expecting a baby or have just had a baby. For all families, this period is typically full of promise but also vulnerability. FE is one of eight sites that are participating in a large national evaluation of Building Strong Families (BSF), a federally funded program for unmarried parents. The underlying rationale for BSF is that relationship skills education and family support services provided to unmarried parents in a romantic relationship will help them learn how to…
Brief
Fathers play an important role as disciplinarians. It is a traditional and accepted role for men in families, though fathers and mothers both share that responsibility. Good discipline is a source of pride for a father and a source of stability for a family. Discipline is challenging: it is a great opportunity to model correct behavior, fairness and firmness. If you want to teach self-control and to be obeyed andrespected, you must show self-control and be consistent. Your behavior will influence your children deeply. (Author abstract modified)
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This fact sheet defines the meaning of dating. It highlights parents' concerns about dating before age 14 or 15 and consequences of early dating consistently shown in research (e.g., involvement in early sexual activity). It also provides detailed information for parents on what to do when their children start dating early.
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This policy brief, published by the Brookings Institute, presents major findings and policy recommendations based on results from The Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study. The study shows that a large number of parents are not married when they have a child, which contributes to problems with parenting, couples' relationships, and children's well-being. Also, many unwed parents may be in close relationships when children are born, but few of these relationships last. Unwed parents often have characteristics (i.e., low education, poor health) that make finding employment, forming stable…
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This tip sheet offers six ways that parents can positively influence their teens' daily decisionmaking, impact healthy behaviors, and help them to become responsible adults. (Author abstract modified)
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This tip sheet offers ten tips for parents related to guidelines on dating and parental expectations. It encourages parents to talk with their children about sex, and that it will not encourage them to become sexually active. It explains the importance of parental involvement and role modeling.
