Fatherhood initiative programs are an essential part of society because they provide invaluable life skills to men. The programs impart economic, financial, health and social skills to men that allows them to become responsible fathers and community members. Successful fatherhood refers to being present throughout a child's life. It involves helping the child learn and grow responsibly, healthily and happily.
However, today's society has numerous impediments that snatch fathers from their families and responsibilities. Many men are absent from their families and their children's lives. This has made it necessary for men to get more involved in fatherhood initiative programs.
Stumbling Blocks That Tear Families Apart
One of the biggest stumbling blocks that rips fathers from their families is the economy. The weakening economy means that many families must rely on more than one income source to survive. This makes many men become absentee fathers as they are busy working. Some men hold more than one job just to make ends meet. This leaves little time to spend with their kids.
Incarceration is another reason why many men, and women, are absent from their children's lives. Many men from minority communities, like the Hispanics or blacks, are prone to criminal activities and eventually get incarcerated. This makes their children grow up without their love and guidance.
Divorce and separation also divides many families. Despite the fact that separation takes place between parents, it is the kids who suffer the most because their lives change immensely. They have to shift homes regularly, and contend with custody battles.
Other fathers simply do not fully appreciate the important role they play in the growth and development of their kids. Therefore, they simply leave their families to go start a new life. Many young fathers often chose to cut and run from their responsibilities because they are scared of becoming fathers.
Importance of Fatherhood Programs
Fatherhood programs are needed in many sectors of the society because they allow the development of responsible men. These programs provide high quality and wide range fatherhood skills building. They also come up with essential curriculum kits, training workshops, printed materials and technical assistance.
By supporting fathers and encouraging the development of healthy families, these programs are essentially looking after the wellbeing of children. Many community based organizations have embraced these programs and are using their curriculum and resources. They include the following:
- Community Action Agencies
- Faith-Based Organizations
- Head Start Programs
- Pregnancy Resource Centers
- Healthy Start Programs
- YMCAs
- Schools
- Hospital Health Programs
Fatherhood programs have affordable and cost effective resources that address complex situations like alcohol and substance abuse, incarcerated family members, physical and emotional abuse as well as teen pregnancies. These are key challenges that face many families today.
Fatherhood initiative programs provide an avenue for fathers to interact freely with one another. They share their experiences and offer each other support and encouragement. Support programs allow fathers to open up about changes that they face and get actionable solutions. What's more, they help fathers connect with their families and take care of their children. We have covered most of the important information in this article, but you can get additional information here.