How ancient is father care of human infants and young children, and why did it emerge? Is it possible that father care arose among the ancestors of modern humans and became essential for survival? Or is it a recent, though variable, development? Is father care an evolved trait of Homo sapiens or is it a learned cultural behavior transmitted across generations in some societies but not others? In this important study, Frank L’Engle Williams examines the anthropological record for evidence of the social behaviors associated with paternity, suggesting that ample evidence exists for the…
This report outlines seven areas where states can promote fatherhood as they make the tough decisions around government priorities. The list is not comprehensive and some ideas may not apply or be of interest to all states, but the list is meant to get policymakers thinking about the framework within which they will construct their devolution era programs. (Author abstract)
Marriage is disappearing as a cultural norm in America, with disastrous consequences for the social and economic stability that depend on it.That's the reality that Maggie Gallagher asks us to face-- and to change-- in this revealing look at marriage in America today. Artfully weaving poignant true-life accounts with sobering research findings, Gallagher shows how legal, cultural, and economic factors have combined to create a "post-marital culture" that punishes commitment to spouse and children, and rewards irresponsibility.Gallagher delivers a jolting wake-up call to political leaders and…
Every parent wants his or her daughter to become strong, confident, happy, healthy, and independent. Alarming statistics have shown the plunge in self-esteem that many girls experience around age 10 to 12. How can parents, teachers, and other role models prepare girls to become strong and creative as they grow? In Raising Strong Daughters, Gadeberg provides a variety of creative ideas to teach girls of any age the inner confidence, strength, and know-how needed to get ready for life. Each theme-focused chapter is brimming with practical hands-on ideas that can be woven into everyday…
Given the support for increased involvement of parents in their children's schooling and the positive contribution men can make to children's development, it is important to reach out specifically to fathers or other significant males in parent involvement efforts for pre-kindergarten and early childhood programs. This digest discusses barriers to male involvement, including: (1) fathers' fears of exposing inadequacies; (2) ambivalence of program staff members about father involvement; (3) gatekeeping by mothers; and (4) inappropriate program design and delivery. The digest also offers the…
Research on intergenerational learning includes a range of studies that focus on the transmission of beliefs and practices and modeling of behaviors from generation to generation. This critical review focuses on the broader issues in intergenerational learning and the multiple, though small, streams of work that examine the impact of fathers' involvement in families. The discussion focuses on four areas: (1) intergenerational and life-course issues that have emerged over the past 25 years; (2) parental influences on children with special emphasis on parenting and grandparenting, parent-child…
Football, toy trains, Erector sets . . . most fathers can relate to having a son. But what's a dad to do when he's invited for imaginary tea? Robert Wolgemuth's She Calls Me Daddy relates all the wonderful times that are waiting to be had for fathers with some special little ladies-their daughters. Focusing on seven things every man should know about raising a girl, it concentrates on specific areas of growth to reveal what a father can do to ensure she becomes the woman she is meant to be. (Author abstract modified)
This book links fatherhood to the needs of our children to be prepared for life outside the comfort and safety of the family. It links fatherhood to essential and complementary contributions of mothers. It links fatherhood to specific types of problems experienced by children without fathers. Whether married, divorced or a teenage father-this book will affirm what you have felt all along---Children need to know and be known by their father. (Author abstract)
The absence of a father can have a significant impact on children and contribute to problems such as juvenile delinquency, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, and child poverty. This book explains why fatherlessness is increasing and argues that acceptance of new family structures is detrimental to the well-being of children and society. The author warns that the problem will continue to grow unless steps are taken to encourage men to become more committed to their families. He suggests that cultural attitudes must shift from individualism to interest in the good of society. Moral principles…
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Fathers give tips about how they care for and relate to their children aged birth to 3 years.