FATHERHOOD
RELATIONSHIPS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND RESOURCES
While there is a large focus on the importance of the bond that exists between a mother and her child, there is also a great significance to the role of the father. The active involvement of fathers has also been shown to impact health outcomes during pregnancy.
Mothers whose partners are involved during the prenatal period are more likely to receive regular prenatal care, and are more likely to give up unhealthy behaviors during pregnancy like smoking or drinking alcohol.
Having a strong father-child relationship can have positive effects your child’s social and emotional well-being, and academic achievement, even if you and your child do not live in the same household.
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DID YOU KNOW?
At Healthy Start, we celebrate the role fathers have in the family. Through our Male Initiative Program, we seek to educate fathers and caregivers like you about how important you are to the healthy outcome of your partner’s pregnancy and the ongoing health and well-being of your family through;
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Health education
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Parenting support
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Case management
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Resource coordination and referrals
According to The Fatherhood Project, fathers who have a loving relationship with their children and set clear boundaries and expectations directly contribute to better emotional, academic, social and behavioral outcomes for their children.
MEN OF STANDARD
We also bring fathers together in discussion groups, through our Men of Standard program, giving you the chance to meet and hear from other fathers like you on parenting and life challenges, and address the 3 Rs of Fatherhood:
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Relationships
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Responsibilities
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Resources
KEY FACT
Children who have a close relationship with their father are 50% less likely to experience multiple symptoms of depression than children who do not, have lessened risk of infant mortality and are less likely to live in poverty.
