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Journal Article Coparenting relationship quality and father involvement are closely linked but few studies have investigated this relationship using samples of socioeconomically disadvantaged families. The current study used family systems theory to examine the longitudinal and bidirectional relations between coparenting relationship quality and father engagement in caregiving and play, using a large and racially diverse sample of low-income residential and nonresidential fathers in the Building Strong Families project (N = 1,908). Structural equation modeling tested cross-lagged relations between couple-…
Brief
This brief summarizes relevant research on coparenting; offers strategies to help practitioners encourage and support high-quality, stable, coparenting relationships; and provides tips for fathers. The brief focuses particularly on tips for fathers who live separately from the mothers of their children.
Brief
This brief provides an overview of the history of Muslims in the United States and discusses cultural nuances to keep in mind when working with Muslim families. Drawing from experts in the field, it provides culturally appropriate tips for integration of healthy communication, conflict resolution, and parenting skills into existing service delivery models.
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Journal Article This study examined profiles of nonresidential father engagement (i.e., support to the adolescent, contact frequency, remarriage, relocation, and interparental conflict) with their adolescent children (N = 156) 6 to 8 years following divorce and the prospective relation between these profiles and the psychosocial functioning of their offspring, 9 years later. Parental divorce occurred during late childhood to early adolescence; indicators of nonresidential father engagement were assessed during adolescence, and mental health problems and academic achievement of offspring were assessed 9 years…
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Journal Article Objective: This study investigated children of alcoholics' (COAs) exposure to inter-parental conflict before and after their fathers received alcohol treatment and compared exposure levels to a community comparison sample. Method: This study included 67 couples with a treatment-seeking male alcoholic partner and children aged 4-16. The alcoholic fathers and their relationship partners provided data at baseline and at six and twelve month follow-ups. A community comparison sample of 78 couples with children in the target age range completed similar longitudinal assessments. It was hypothesized…
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Journal Article Purpose: Harsh, abusive, and rejecting behavior by parents toward their children is associated with increased risk for many developmental problems for youth. Earlier research also shows that children raised by harsh parents are more likely to treat their own children harshly. The present study evaluated nurturing and supportive behaviors of spouses or cohabiting romantic partners hypothesized to strengthen co-parent relationships and help break this intergenerational cycle of harsh parenting. Methods: Data come from the Family Transitions Project, a 22-year, 3-generation study of a cohort of…
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Journal Article That separation and divorce frequently burden the young child emotionally and developmentally has moved from scientific to common knowledge over the past two decades. Recent cultural changes also moderate or intensify such stress and strain on the parent-child relationship: a divorce rate hovering at about 40% of all marriages, a third of all births occurring outside of marriage, and a steady increase in the involvement of fathers in the lives of their young children. This discussion focuses on the clinical implications of such changes for the vital relationships that comprise the nurturing…
Brief
This tip sheet gives some facts about teens and sex and provides suggestions for parents on starting age-appropriate conversations with their teen about sexuality, continuing the conversation, and leaving the line of communication open. Myths and facts about teens and sex are listed, giving parents some conversation starters.Note: Costs are associated with print orders only. PDF copies are available for free downloading.
Brief
This handbook offers some keys to successful coparenting relationships. It also offers strategies to raise a child as a team, whether the parents are romantically together or not. This guide will help coparents to learn to communicate, handle differences, manage anger, develop a written partners-in-parenting agreement, handle money wisely, learn what it takes to have a good, long lasting couple relationship or marriage and handle the tough issues that can break couples apart.
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Journal Article We introduce a conceptual framework incorporating the various domains that programs and services must address when considering the needs of separating and separated/divorced fathers. The three core domains are: (1) Support for reconfiguring family structure, attending to transitions associated with decoupling while maintaining a co-parenting relationship; (2) Support for parenting, including acquisition of parenting skills and knowledge about the effects of separation/divorce on children; and (3) Support for psychosocial needs, addressing issues such as mental health, substance abuse, and…
