Positive Father Involvement

Fathers, parenting is not easy, but do not think you are less important than mothers. Your roles
are not the same; however they complement each other to fulfill what children need from their
parents. You have a special place in your childrens lives, and your interest in them can make a
significant difference. Children whose fathers take an active part in their daily lives tend to be
well-adjusted and better equipped for success. Take pride in your responsibilities and efforts.
Children do not need perfect fathers; they need caring and involved fathers.

10 Tips for Successful Dads

1. Spend Time With Your Child. For children, love is spelled T-I-M-E.
2. Play With Your Children. Through play, men teach self-control and perseverance to kids.
3. Be a Good Role Model. Lasting values are caught by children more than taught by adults.
4. Respect Your Childs Mother. A childs self concept is strongly linked to how their parents
interact.
5. Discipline With Love. Give clear guidelines, give praise for positives, correct with kindness.
6. Be a Good Teacher. Take daily opportunities to help children develop a love for learning.
7. Eat Meals Together. Regular meals provide opportunity for healthy interactions.
8. Read To Your Children. Children read to daily have great advantages in their education. For
fathers who do not read well, activities with wordless picture books help children get a good
start on pre-reading and comprehension skills.
9. Show Physical Affection. Children feel more secure with regular comfort from fathers.
10. Stick With It! Never Quit! Be patient with your children and yourself. By seeking resources
and support, father care can be positively enhanced.
--You are the best DAD your child will ever have!

Here are some positive results for children:
Stronger self concept.
More likely to enjoy school children who enjoy school are more likely to perform better
academically and remain in school.
Show more compassion and empathy.
More likely to get As the odds that children get mostly As are 43% higher if their fathers
are highly involved in their schools compared to if they are not involved. (U.S. Department of
Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 1996 National Household Education Survey
http://www.nces.ed.gov)
More likely to avoid high risk behaviors like substance abuse, early sexual activity, delinquent
conduct, and others.
Better emotional health and self-control.
Stronger problem solving abilities.
More likely to obtain financial independence.
Important Tips for Communities:
Respect fatherhood.
Understand that father interaction is vital to each child's optimal development.
Support father/child activities.
Affirm community and business practices supportive of healthy father/child relationships.
Uphold positive male influences to children.
Encourage men to be role models and mentors for children in the community as well as in their
family.
Help kids without fathers spend time with positive men.
Updated for the 2006 PAM Organizers Packet, Prevention Network, 1-800-968-4968

Resource Organizations For Fathers

Michigan Fatherhood Coalition. The Mission of the Michigan Fatherhood Coalition is to provide a
network for those who promote healthy families, function as an information source both for and of
fatherhood initiatives in Michigan, enhance positive male parenting, collaborate efforts; for the
common good of all children. www.michiganfatherhood.org

All Pro Dad. the ultimate resource for men who want to become better fathers. Provides the
resources that will enable fathers to become better dads. www.allprodad.com

The Center for Successful Fathering. Promoting the benefits of involved dads. Founded on the
belief that children need the balance of Mom and Dad. www.fathering.org 1-800-537-0853

Dads and Daughters. Inspire, understand, and support your daughter. www.dadsanddaughters.org
888-824-DADS (3237)

Families and Corrections Network. The Incarcerated Fathers Library. Resources for dads behind
bars and those working with them. www.fcnetwork.org 434-589-3036

Fathers Network. Celebrate and support fathers and families raising children with special health
care needs and developmental disabilities. Excellent Links Page! - to over 33 websites for many
other fatherhood and mens resources. www.fathersnetwork.org 425-747-4004 ext.218

The National Center For Fathering. Insights, information, and training helping you become a
better dad. www.fathers.com 800-593-DADS (3237)

The National Fatherhood Initiative. To improve the well being of children by increasing the
proportion of children growing up with involved, responsible, and committed fathers.
www.fatherhood.org 301-948-0599 Father Facts www.fatherhood.org/pdf/ffacts.pdf

Resilience Net. Information for helping children and families overcome adversity.
http://resilnet.uiuc.edu/

Responsible Single Fathers. Providing mentoring, support, and referrals to dads that better their
ability to cope, parent, nurture, love, and emotionally and financially care for their children.
www.singlefather.org 616-447-0798

Stepfamily Network. A nonprofit organization dedicated to helping stepfamily members achieve
harmony and mutual respect in their family lives through education and support. www.stepfamily.net

Young Fathers Net/ Michigan. Assisting young fathers to make a difference in their childs life.
http://www.youngfathersmichigan.com 866-822-9352

Developed by the

www.michiganfatherhood.org
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