In Honor of Father’s Day Coming Up ...

The Schulenburg/Weimar Area Parents as Teachers Program offers this information about the importance of dads in child development:

Good things happen when fathers take an active role in caring for their child. Research shows that beginning prenatally, an active and nurturing father has a crucial role in the cognitive, social, and emotional development of his unborn baby. As a father, you have one of the most important jobs ever, as you are helping to shape your child’s future.

Financial support is an important part of parenting, but the time spent with your child is even more important. You are a role model, a care giver, and someone your child depends on. Your involvement has a big impact on your child’s school achievement and behavior. Whether or not you live with your child’s mother, is not as important as parents having a good relationship. Fathers parent differently than mothers. Not better, not worse. Children need both kinds of experiences, consistency and balance, and when parents get along, this reduces childhood stress and anxiety, which may affect child development.

Research on fatherhood focuses on seven key ways to be an effective dad:

1. Build a positive relationship with the child’s mother.

2. Spend time playing with your child.

3. Show your child you love him, and celebrate what he can do.

4. Discipline your child positively and appropriately.

5. Support him as he learns about the outside world.

6. Keep your child safe and provide for him.

7. Be a positive role model for your child and community.

Dads make an impact when they:

• Talk to their child. A baby can hear dad’s voice before he is born.

• Spend time with your child, just the two of you. It makes him feel special.

• Hug your child. He needs physical and verbal affection at every age. Include your child in daily activities like running errands, doing chores, washing the car, etc.

• Go to activities with your child.

• Let your child know that you love him.

There are multiple paths to fatherhood. These paths include becoming a biological father, stepfather, adoptive father, or a father figure. Whatever the pathway to fatherhood, this is one of the most important lifelong roles that men will ever have. It is serious, important, and fulfilling. Happy Father’s Day!

For more information about the Schulenburg/Weimar Area Parents as Teachers Program, please call (979) 743-6060.