Little importance is placed on a father’s role as a parent … almost as if they are second-class citizens in their own children’s lives. However, according to HealthLine.com, “Two million men are single parents and just over 3 percent of stay-at-home parents are fathers.” [1]

When the discussion around parenting comes up, it is well known that mothers are often the parent being referred to. What about fathers? Aren’t they just as important as mothers when it comes to child rearing? Aren’t there benefits of a father’s involvement in lives of their children? How do we involve them in home visits, even if they are not living with their child?

First, let’s explore who could be considered a father. According to Parent Educator Resource: Fatherhood, a father can be a biological father, a stepfather, an adoptive father, and even a father figure (such as an uncle, grandfather, close family friend, even an older brother). [2] The father may or may not live with their child.

Attachment for fathers and their children usually begins at birth. However, research shows a father’s involvement in his children’s life is important and beneficial as early as prenatally and continues throughout their life. With guidance and love, some benefits for children include:

• Better problem solving skills
• Handle stress and challenges easier as adults
• Overcome everyday frustrations
• Be more confident throughout life
• Do better academically
• Show positive outcomes in adulthood

Parent Handout: Your Role as a Dad provides seven key concepts for fathers to be effective in their children’s lives:

1. Providing positive discipline
2. Spending quality time with their children
3. Building a positive relationship with the children’s mom
4. Showing their children they are loved by celebrating their accomplishments
5. Showing support while they learn about the outside world
6. Keeping their children safe
7. Providing for their children financially

When fathers are actively involved, mothers need to know and understand the importance of a father’s role in their child’s life. Parent Handout: What Moms Should Know About Dads provides useful information to help mothers understand a father’s role.

As parent educators, we need to validate fathers and remind them that their role in their children’s lives, education and development are just as important to their children as a mother’s role. By providing fathers with tools and developmental information, you are helping to continue fostering the father-child relationship.
Some ways to do this are:

• Work with the family to schedule a time when the father is able to attend the home visit as often as possible.
• Ask the father if there are activities he would like to try with his child at the next home visit.
• Welcome fathers into the home visits and encourage their participation throughout the visit. If the father is not home for the visit, ask the mother to show him the developmental information and activity provided during the visit. If he has questions regarding the information provided, have him write them down to be answered at the next visit, or he may email, text or call you.
• Invite fathers to FACE Family Circles. Look for a FACE Family Circle Kit this fall.
• Encourage a positive relationship between parents who are co-parenting, and provide extra copies of handouts, activities and screening results for both parents.
• Remind fathers that their role in their child’s life is just as important as the role of the mother, as they too are capable caretakers.

Finally, a little something to remember: just because a father does things differently from what a mother does, does not make it wrong, it just makes it different.

Happy home visiting.

Citations
[1] Why Fathers Are Important to Children: https://www.healthline.com/health-news/why-fathers-are-important-to-children#2
[2] Parent Educator Resource: Fatherhood, (p. 1702-1706); Parents as Teachers Foundation I Curriculum.
[3] Parent Handout: Your Role as a Dad. (p. 1707-1708); Parents as Teachers Foundation I Curriculum.
[4] Parent Handout: What Moms Should Know about Dads (p.1711-1712); Parents as Teachers Foundation I Curriculum.
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/why-fathers-are-important-to-children#2
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-long-reach-childhood/201106/the-importance-fathers
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-important-role-of-dad_b_5489093