Fathers make a difference

Fathers Make a Difference Distributed in furtherance of the acts of Congress of May 8 andJune30. 1914. North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex. age, or disability. In addition, the two Universities welcome all persons without regard to sexual orientation. North Carolina State University. North Carolina AST State University. U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating. A father’s influence is profound and lasting, but limiting cultural stereotypes, his absence from the home, and the lack of societal sup¬ ports can undercut his efforts. Each father’s idea of the role he plays in the lives of his children is often influenced by cultural stereotypes, such as: The Wallet: This father is preoccupied with providing financial support for his family. He may work long hours to bring home his paycheck and does not take an active part in caring for the children. Making money becomes a distraction from family involvement. The Rock: This “tough” father is strict and in charge of the family. He may also believe that a good father remains emotionally distant from his children, so expressions of affection are taboo. The Dag wood Bumstead: This father tries to be a “real pal” to his children, but his efforts are often clumsy or extreme. He doesn’t understand his children and feels confused about what to do. He may also feel that he is not respected within the family. For much of the 20"' century, the father’s most common role was that of The Wallet, seeing to the basic necessities of life, such as food, clothing and shelter. While the role of pro¬ vider is still considered highly important, no¬ tions about fatherhood have expanded con¬ siderably in the past three decades. STATE UNIVERSITY A&T STATE UNIVERSITY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION Helping People Put Knowledge to Work Added to the traditional perceptions of fa° therhood is a more contemporary view, that of: The Caregiver. This father works to combine toughness with tenderness. He enjoys his children but is not afraid to set firm but fair limits. He and his wife may cooperate in child- rearing and homemaking. This view defines fatherhood as the act of being a father, as opposed to merely fathering a child. It implies a bonding between father and child; fathers today are usually perceived as fully co-equal with the mothers of their children, and are much more involved in all aspects of the children’s lives. Child development experts are discovering more about the important role that fathers play in the physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual well-being of their children. Research also shows numerous negative impacts in the lives of children who live apart from their fa° thersorwho spend little time with their fathers. When father is absent: staying connected Currently, more than 27 million children live apart from their fathers. In a typical year, well over one-third of these children won’t even see their dad. More than half of all European- American children and three-quarters of all African-American children born since 1975 will live part of their formative years with only one parent, and in the vast majority of these cases, it’s the father who is absent. The costs of an absent father are high.