This InfoSheet is a brief review of information for family services practitioners and fatherhood advocates, which highlights basic recommendations for making a father-friendly Early Childhood Family Education program. (Author abstract modified)
Research demonstrates that children benefit in a variety of ways when they have significant positive involvement with fathers and father figures. Research also demonstrates that fathers accrue a variety of benefits by being positively involved with their kids. This two-way street of mutual benefits for children and fathers is increasingly noted as a reason for strengthening the relationship between dadand child. This fact sheet highlights the broad benefits of father involvement for children and fathers. (Author abstract).
Involvement by fathers, the development of a positive relationship with their children, and the provision of child support have been shown to have a positive effect on children's social, cognitive, and academic achievement, and behavior. Children do better in school when fathers are involved, they get better grades, are less likely to repeat a grade, and are less likely to be expelled. Even for very young children, good fathering contributes to the development of emotional security, curiosity, and math and verbal skills. Fathers also play a unique role in shaping children's gender development…
A fundamental principle of child development underpinning early childhood practice is that children need stable, nurturing relationships with both men and women to develop strong gender identities. With more than 60% of young children in non-parental care during part of their day, it is of serious concern that less than 5% of the early childhood workforce is comprised of males. The low wages typically paid to early childhood teachers is often cited as the reason for this under-representation. However, this explanation only partly explains the phenomena as there are numerous low paying…
Brief
The Amachi initiative was implemented in Philadelphia to reduce risks for children of incarcerated men and women. Research has found that these children are vulnerable because of the instability of their living situation as well as the feelings associated with having a parent in prison. Depression, poor academic achievement, substance abuse, and juvenile delinquency are more likely among the children of incarcerated parents than in the general population. Amachi seeks to provide a positive influence in these children's lives with adults recruited from faith-based communities. Big Brothers Big…
