TIPS For Families

Changes in Fathering

Written by:  Nancy Frecks, Extension Educator,
Source:  Florida Cooperative Extension Service Being an Involved Father What Does it Mean?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension
Building Strong Families

In the last few decades, families in America have changed; the majority of mothers now work outside the home. Divorce rates have risen. More fathers have gained custody of their children or have been awarded joint custody.  These and other changes have increased the attention to the role of fathers.  The following are some considerations for thinking about fathers in today's society.

Men can begin to free themselves from old stereotypes. They can identify their strengths and use these skills. The emphasis should be on what you do with your child instead of how much time you spend with them. Here are a few rules of thumb you can use to decide whether you are spending quality time with your child:

  • Is your child the center of your attention--or are you just trying to keep them busy while you do other things?
  • During your time together, are you involved in activities that both you and your child enjoy?
  • Are you investing time and energy in your children's lives on a daily basis or are you interacting with them just when it is convenient?
  • Are you happy just spending ordinary time with your child with no particular purpose or goal in mind?

If you answered "yes" to all these questions, it looks like you are spending quality time with your child. It's important for fathers to spend quality time because, in most families, they are not the child's primary caregiver. This means that others (such as child care workers, teachers, and mothers) spend more time with your child each week than you do.

Quality, positive interactions help form a healthy bond between fathers and their children. These interactions help father-child attachment to grow. Fathers can understand their child's world a little better and children will be able to see and understand their dad as a real person.

If you wish to leave feedback about this TIPS for Families, click on the TIPS Feeback Form below. For more information on Fathering go to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln publication website at www.ianrpub.unl.edu and click on Families.