Fathers play an important role in their children’s lives, just as mothers do. Children gain a unique experience about life from each parent.
It’s in the best interests of families and society for fathers to be able to do the best job possible when it comes to parenting, but sometimes they need help in being better dads.
So providing services to help local fathers in that regard is beneficial.
Human Services Inc., for example, offers Fatherhood Night in Bartholomew County, which uses the National Fatherhood Initiative’s 24/7 Dad program. The goal is to help men develop attitudes and skills to be actively involved in their children’s lives. And, the free, monthly event is open to any father figure, including uncles, grandfathers, stepfathers and fathers-in-law.
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Fatherhood Night includes a family-style meal and interactive activities such as crafts with the children. Then when the children have some supervised play time, the father figures meet as a group with the Fatherhood Initiative coordinator to discuss and learn about life skills and issues the men deal with, such as stress or anger.
Children need loving, involved and caring fathers. Helping dads have the skills to deal with life and parenting issues, and meet their children’s needs, is worthwhile.
A program such as Fatherhood Night is helpful and worth trying. Dads who could use a hand with nurturing behaviors should consider participating.
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To learn more about the Fatherhood Night that Human Services Inc. conducts each month, call Fatherhood Initiative coordinator Jeremy Kimball at 812-372-8407, extension 241, or email him at jkimball@hsi-indiana.com.
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