Making the Case That Fathers Count---A Lot

Newswise — New fathers don't receive a how-to manual when they hold their little bundle of joy for the first time. The book "Why Fathers Count: The Importance of Fathers and Their Involvement With Children," provides information and tips for fathers and those who support them at all stages of parenting — from new fathers to grandfathers. It also contains information and insight on fathers and families on a wide variety of topics such as fathers and daughters, fathers and play, working fathers, fathers who are divorced and fathers and a child's education.

According to the book, the most important work that men do is being totally involved in the lives of their children and families. This contemporary edited anthology focuses on key issues in fathering and father involvement. The book is edited by Sean Brotherson, associate professor of family science, North Dakota State University, Fargo, N.D., and Joseph White, research scientist at the Institute for Research and Evaluation, Salt Lake City, Utah. It is available at http://www.whyfatherscount.com and at http://www.mensstudies.com.

"In a culture that questions the value of men in family life, we need a compelling perspective on what men can contribute to their families and communities, as well as insight on the ways in which fathers and father figures make a meaningful difference," said Brotherson.

According to Why Fathers Count, contemporary research generally shows that children deprived of a positive relationship with their father may be at increased risk for problems such as drug abuse, delinquency, depression or compromised performance in school. In response to this research, Why Fathers Count provides insight and practical strategies for fathers to connect with their children and families, such as:"¢Be involved in shared activities (recreational activities, play, homework, important events)"¢Read regularly with children and be involved in their education"¢Participate in spiritual activities with children"¢Share exchanges of time, love and affection "¢Mentor children in developing skills and confidence"¢Connect through sharing memories and telling stories

These practical strategies are a small sample of the suggestions and insight that Why Fathers Count offers readers. The book serves as a resource for fathers, as well as for professionals who teach parenting skills or wish to understand and support positive father involvement.

"More must be done to address the issue of fatherhood and the future of our children. Therefore, we hope that one of the contributions of this book will be its ability to communicate the power of a father's love in the life of a child," said White. Authors of the book point out that building strong bonds between fathers and their children not only affects families, but also carries societal benefits.

Commenting on the book, Joseph Pleck, professor of family studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and current editor of the journal Fathering, said, "Why Fathers Count makes the most comprehensive case available today for the importance of fathering."

Contributing authors to this contemporary anthology on the importance of father involvement include some of the leading scholars and practitioners in the field, including: Ken R. Canfield, Ph.D., National Center for Fathering; Paul Dixon, Ph.D., University of North Texas; David C. Dollahite, Ph.D., Brigham Young University; H. Wallace Goddard, Ph.D., CFLE, University of Arkansas; Stephen D. Green, Ph.D., Texas A&M University; J. Michael Hall, M.Ed., Strong Fathers-Strong Families; Glen Palm, Ph.D., St. Cloud State University; Rob Palkovitz, Ph.D., University of Delaware; Vicky Phares, Ph.D., University of South Florida; Neil Tift, M.A., National Practitioners Network on Fathers and Families; and Randell Turner, Ph.D., Fathers Workshop of York County.

Resource:http://www.whyfatherscount.com http://www.mensstudies.com