Newswise — Oh, if they only came with instruction booklets. "The sometimes baffling joys and challenges of fatherhood are often only gained from on-the-job training," points out Sean Brotherson, Ph.D., associate professor and extension family science specialist at North Dakota State University, Fargo. But one resource called Father Times [http://www.ext.nodak.edu/parenting/fathertimes.htm] aims to provide a roadmap of ideas for fathers as they wind their way through the toughest job they'll ever love. The newsletter features stories and articles on fathers, facts from research, and positive activities to do with children from infancy to age 8.
Brotherson, who has previously published research in the journal Fathering, points out that while Father's Day is a day worth celebrating, research has shown that fathers connect with their children through a variety of daily routines and special activities. And, says Brotherson, the most significant way for fathers or father figures to connect with children is by participating in shared activities.
-Interact with children at birth or adoption-Share exchanges of time and affection-Take time for recreational activities (camping, hunting, picnics, playing ball)-Be involved in play or learning activities (hide-and-seek, checkers, games, reading, storytelling)-Attend important events together
Father Times newsletter, sponsored by the Extension Service at NDSU, is available to individuals and organizations who would like to learn more about fathering and support fathers in the lives of children. The newsletter series is designed for use in settings such as early childhood centers and schools. "The newsletter is currently used in a multitude of settings such as Head Start, kindergarten programs, elementary schools, faith communities, home visiting programs, parent education and correctional systems in about 30 states around the country," says Brotherson. The newsletter is available in English and in Spanish.
Father Times newsletter also offers tips for dads at a distance who are trying to stay in contact with their children. "In today's world, fathers might not live with their children due to frequent travel, divorce, military deployment or other reasons," says Brotherson. Tips for fathers to communicate with children include*:
-Make a video or audio tape of you reading bedtime stories and send them to your child along with the book.-Arrange for flowers, pizza, etc., to be delivered to your child before or after a special evening (a play, recital, sports game) and include a note telling your child how proud you are of his/her accomplishments.-Send a postcard every day to your child for a week straight.-Begin a Life's Lessons Booklet. Each week write down a few of the lessons you've learned in life and how you learned those lessons. When the booklet is full, send it to your child.*used by permission of the National Long Distance Relationship Building Institute. http://www.fambooks.com
For more information:http://www.ext.nodak.edu/parenting/fathertimes.htm
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