Steps to Demonstrate a Positive Fatherhood Model

We can all demonstrate a healthy and responsible fatherhood model for our community. Pass this information along to friends, family, co-workers and neighbors.

With friends and in your own family…

• Participate in marriage and family enrichment programs and encourage friends to do it, too.
• Honor the covenant of marriage and be an accountability partner for fellow married friends.
• Help mothers to be supportive of fathers’ involvement with their children, and ask your wife how you can be more involved with your own children.

If you’re an employer…

• Create personnel policies and work environments that respect and encourage the commitment of fathers, and that enable parents to be more involved with their children.
• Research the effects of relocating families and find ways to make the transition as smooth as possible for employees who must move.

If you’re a civic leader, elected official or community organizer…

• Promote community organizations that model fatherhood and male responsibility.
• Strive to develop neighborhoods that are stable and supportive of family life.

If you’re a religious leader or organizer…

• Challenge fathers to assume moral and spiritual responsibilities.
• Offer a broad program of teaching, supporting, counseling and training fathers in their vital role.
• Encourage and recognize involved fathers, and provide opportunities for men to learn from each other.

If you’re a mental healthcare worker, healthcare or a family life educator…

• Begin with a view in favor of fatherhood within the context of a marriage relationship.
• Guide fathers to both accept and appreciate their unique roles within the family.
• Provide continuing education on fatherhood and its responsibilities.

If you’re a family law attorney or judge…

• Promote accountability of all fathers for each of their children.
• Reassess current trends in family law and be an advocate for responsible fathering.

If you’re an educator or childcare provider…

• Encourage fathers’ involvement in the classroom and invite fathers or father figures to participate in school activities.
• Educate boys and young men concerning their potential influence as fathers.
• Train staff about the father’s crucial role in a child’s developmental growth.

If you work in media or journalism…

• Promote articles, research and organizations that address and offer solutions to fathering issues.
• Discourage advertisements or programming that reflects irresponsible fathering practices.

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