positive involvement of fathers in parenting e35
DESCRIPTION
Research is consistently showing that the positive involvement of fathers in the upbringing of children is directly linked with improved childhood well-being. This session seeks to explore the characteristics of an effective service in supporting vulnerable families and in particular fathers. This discussion will be informed by research and will allow participants to explore the issues further with a view to improving practice and informing future research in this important area.TRANSCRIPT
The Positive Involvement of Fathers
Content of Session
1. Research2. Practice
Our research The Positive Involvement of Fathers
Research QuestionWhere vulnerable families receive external support what helps ensure that fathers are positively involved in the upbringing of children?
Methods - Interviews with fathers- Fathers focus groups- Practitioner survey
How is involvement measured Uni-dimensional approaches
- time spent together- quality of father child relationship- investment in parenting role
A multi dimensional conceptualisation- 15 ‘Categories of paternal involvement’ –
communication, teaching, monitoring, cognitive processes, Errands, Caregiving, Shared interests, Availability, Planning, Shared activities, Providing, Affection, Protection and Supporting emotionality
- Linked to stage and development of children- Impact of ethnicity, culture, class, family
structure- Employment conditions
- cognitive development- emotional development and wellbeing- social development- decrease in negative development outcomes
The benefits of positive involvement
for children
- better communication between fathers and family members;- a greater sense of commitment to the family;- less troubling conflict with teenage children.
The benefits of positive involvement
for the family
- self confidence and effectiveness as parent- better understanding and accepting of children- engaged in the community- better personal relationships- enjoy a secure attachment relationship with their children.- cope well with stressful situations and everyday hassles.- feel as if they can depend on others more.- feel more comfortable in their occupation and feel that they can do their job well.- feel confident they have a lot to offer others in terms of their job skills, parenting skills, and social relationships.
The benefits of positive involvement
for the father
What has most effect on the involvement of fathers
- own experience of being parented- personal characteristics and perspectives- co-parental relationship - work/life balance- external support
What do you think are the important aspects of positive
involvement of fathers?
Our work with fathersPrevious research- ‘Dad’s the word’- ‘Listening to fathers’
Current models of working- Fathers worker- Fathers groups
Fatherproofing?- Link with ‘Fathers Network’- ‘Where’s Dad?’
A Fathers’ Workers Role
Day to Day
- Group Work - Individual Family
Support
What does a father’s worker in Greater Pilton look like?
- Stepping out to meet dads’ where they are.
- Gender?- An exclusive role?
What holds dads back and how can we welcome Fathers?
References
Goldman, R (2005). Fathers’ Involvement in their Children’s Education. London: National Family and Parenting Institute
Department of Children and Families (2008) The Impact of Parental Involvement on Children’s Education. http://www.nationalcollege.org.uk/impact-of-parental-involvement-2.pdf
Joseph Rowntree Foundation (2007). Parenting and the different ways it can affect children’s lives: research evidence. http://www.jrf.org.uk/system/files/2132-parenting-literature-reviews.pdf
Nord, C., & West, J. (2001). Fathers' and mothers' involvement in their children's schools by family type and resident status [On-line]. http://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2001032
Office on Child Abuse and Neglect, U.S. Children's Bureau Rosenberg, Jeffrey., Wilcox, W. Bradford. (2006). The Importance of Fathers in the Healthy Development of Children
Yeung, W. J., Duncan, G. J., & Hill, M. S. (2000). Putting fathers back in the picture: Parental activities and children's adult outcomes. In H. E. Peters, G. W. Peterson, S. K. Steinmetz, & R. D. Day (Eds.), Fatherhood: Research, interventions and policies (pp. 97-113). New York, NY:
Hayworth Press
Maxwell, N., Scourfield, J., Featherstone, B., Holland, S. and Tolman, R. (2012) Engaging fathers in child welfare services: A narrative review of recent research evidence. Child and Family Social Work, 17 (2): 160-169. http://
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2206.2012.00827.x/abstract
Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). (2009). The Father Toolkit http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hp-ps/dca-dea/prog-ini/funding-financement/npf-fpn/father-papa/pdf/nfp_toolkit_eng.pdf
Garret D. Evans|Kate Fogarty. University of Florida (2011) The hidden benefits of being an involved father.