Growing Strong Families Gives Tips To Help Fathers Be Involved Parents
Sidney, Iowa, (March 2009) – Heidi Lowthorp, Parent Educator with Growing Strong Families in Fremont County, says the support and love fathers give to their children plays a unique role in impacting a child’s overall development.
Growing Strong Families (GSF) is a free parent education program offered to Fremont County families by Iowa State University Extension located in Sidney. The program utilizes the Parents As Teachers curriculum, and the vast research-based information the Extension service provides.
ISU Extension has a webpage devoted to “Me & My Dad”. Extension’s goal is to strengthen relationships between dads and kids. For more information, visit www.extension.iastate.edu/dads .
Below are some additional tips from Growing Strong Families for parents on the importance of fathering and how dads can promote learning and bonding with their kids.
Why dads are important
An involved father can help shape his child’s life for the better.
o A dad’s presence in his child’s life shows the child how important she is and how much she is loved. This will build her self-esteem and ability to form positive relationships with others.
o Dads often show children a different way of doing things. A child sees things from different points of view, which will teach the child to be more flexible and understanding.
o It’s playtime when it’s time with dad. Fathers are usually more rough-and-tumble in their play with children than moms. This will help with a child’s physical development.
o Infants who are “well fathered” tend to be more secure and curious and less hesitant or fearful in exploring the world around them. Dads often hold off giving immediate help to a frustrated child which may serve to promote problem solving. Children then have a greater tolerance of stress and frustration and may be better at waiting their turn.
o Dads often have a special interest in analytical skills such as math and problem-solving, which can support a child’s intellectual development and promote school readiness.
o Involved dads are positive role models for their children. Little boys learn that it’s good for men to take responsibility for their children and little girls benefit from having a relationship with a caring male.
What dads can do
o Children often learn how to play sports, build blocks and explore the outdoors with their fathers. A dad can play with his child and teach her about his interests and strengths.
o A dad can share in the responsibilities of taking care of his child like helping to change diapers, going to the doctor and feeding his child. This will help him further bond with his child and share the workload with mom.
o A dad can make time to go places and do activities with the whole family and each child individually. Don’t forget, quality doesn’t have to mean quantity. How expensive or exciting something is doesn’t always mean much to a child. Just hanging out with dad can be enough.
o A dad can spend time talking or reading to his child. This will allow his child to get used to his voice and male voice tones. The child will also learn about his father and see dad as someone to go to for advice and guidance.
Dad and mom should be a team. When parents work together, they give the child stability and structure. The child knows what to expect and is not confused by conflicting opinions or discipline. Mom and dad can work together to compromise and find ways for how best to care for the child.
For more information on this topic or other child development and parenting information, call Growing Strong Families Parent Educator Heidi Lowthorp at the ISU Extension Office located in Sidney at 712-374-2351.