For many men, becoming a father brings a rush of powerful emotions.
All at once, there is pride, joy, and a sense of accomplishment. Along with those feelings, there may also be worry and a stronger sense of responsibility. As these emotions and thoughts happen, another question often comes up: “Now what?!”
Bright Beginnings’ Parent Support Department supports and encourages fathers in all of its programs. We want to help build strong, healthy families. Including fathers and other male caregivers is an important part of helping young children grow and learn.
How Does One Become a Good Father?
Where does a man learn about fatherhood?
Often, it starts with what he saw in his own father. These personal experiences may include both positive and not-so-positive moments. Fatherhood is often passed down through families. Many fathers learn from the men before them, and their actions will affect the fathers in their family for years to come. Desire to be a great father can exist whether a man’s own father was involved or not.
Other people also shape how a man sees fatherhood. A man may learn a lot from what his mother taught him. Extended family, like grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, can also have a strong effect on what a man believes about being a father. Men often have to balance the advice they get from family with their own ideas about being a dad.
There is also another big influence: the media. TV, movies, music, streaming sites, social media, and the internet show many messages about what it means to be a father. Some are helpful, but others can show unrealistic or unfair ideas. Fathers (and families) need to think carefully about what messages they listen to (National Fatherhood Initiative, 2022).
Dads’ Impact on Early Childhood
Engaged fathers have a big impact on the development of young children. Kids with involved dads often get along better with others and make friends more easily. Dads who talk and play with their young children help them build strong language skills and do better in school. These things can still happen even if the dad doesn’t live with the child.
Children who have regular, positive time with their dad or male caregiver often show better control of their emotions than those who don’t. No matter what the family looks like, a caring father or male caregiver helps support a child’s emotional, physical, mental, and social needs (Lansford, 2021).
Fathers who are involved bring pride to their children, their family, and themselves. The experience of fatherhood helps men grow. It gives them new purpose and inspiration that touches every part of their lives.
Supporting Fathers in BB Parent Support Department
Fathers and male caregivers are supported throughout the programs offered by the Parent Support Department. The Parents as Teachers program, Positive Parenting Program (Triple P), Parent Support Lead Program, and Cuyahoga County Parents Connect, all welcome and encourage the involvement of fathers and male caregivers.
Fatherhood Resources, another part of the Parent Support Department, focuses on and celebrates fathers. It offers one-on-one help, fun activities, and support made just for fathers and male caregivers—all from a father’s point of view.
For more information, please contact Fatherhood Resources here at Bright Beginnings as we support men in being the fathers they want to be!
About the Author: Jerrold Nash, the dedicated Fatherhood Coordinator at Bright Beginnings since April 2023, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role. Jerrold holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership from Baldwin Wallace University and a Master’s degree in Positive Coaching and Athletic Leadership from the University of Missouri. His commitment to serving children and families in Northeast Ohio spans various capacities across the human experience. Passionate about fostering positive father involvement in the lives of children, families, and communities, he actively contributes to the transformative journey of men striving to become the fathers they aspire to be. Beyond his professional pursuits, Nash's interest in history adds a diverse dimension to his character.
References:
Lansford, E. Jennifer, 2021, The Importance of Fathers for Child Development How fathers contribute to children’s well-being. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/parenting-and-culture/202106/the-importance-of-fathers-for-child-development
Brown, Christopher, 2014 ,2017, 2018, 2020, 2022, Fatherhood Initiative. Vital Topics for Staff to Discuss with Dads. www.fatherhood.org