1. Background
It is becoming more apparent that the role of fathers in families is changing. Fathers, whether they are the primary caregiver, separated from the family, step-fathers or grandfathers are increasingly playing a greater role and becoming more active in their children’s lives. However many fathers are still reluctant to approach or utilise services because of the many and varied accessibility issues and barriers they face.
As a result, organisations need to be proactive in their efforts to engage fathers, reassess the way they plan, develop and deliver their programs, and address accessibility issues to align themselves with the increased need to provide services that meet and are responsive to the needs of fathers.
By including fathers in organisational activities, services, resources or programs the organisation becomes more equitable by not only appealing to the needs of mothers and children, but also being equally accessible to fathers. In turn this will result in more enriched and effective programs, with higher client participation and appreciation.
In essence, father-inclusive practice aims to value and support men in their role as fathers, actively encourage their participation in programs, and ensure they are appropriately and equally considered in all aspects of service delivery. This can include, but is not limited to, the introduction of father specific programs and resources, the way groups are facilitated, attitudes and skills of staff members, recruitment, language used in promotional materials, flexible opening hours and the physical environment.
Including fathers in this way can result in a greater understanding of their child’s development and needs, a closer bond with their child, improved communication skills, more positive father-child interaction, increased confidence in parenting, decreased feelings of isolation, the development of a peer network with other fathers with similar life experiences, a greater sense of self-worth and commitment to their family, and greater likelihood of increased interaction and involvement with their community.
The participation and inclusion of fathers in services provided by organisations is not only beneficial for the fathers themselves but it also has positive implications for their current or ex-partners, and most importantly for their children.
Increased involvement of fathers in parenting can also result in increased opportunities for partners to balance parenting with other areas of their lives, such as work, education and social activities. Partners may also have a greater sense of selfworth due to the higher satisfaction in their relationship with their partner.
Perhaps the most important benefit of father-inclusive practice is the enormous rewards this has for children. Positive and consistent father-child interaction brings the support and protection needed to increase social, emotional and cognitive development. Children often have an increased sense of wellbeing, a clearer sense of their identity and greater resilience to adversity.
Put simply, father-inclusive practice strengthens and supports families and is vitally important for the community as a whole.
The changing role of the father
Over the years, the role of the father has significantly changed from the provider and protector, to one where they must also address the other needs of their children. Today, the role of the father can be expressed in six different categories:
- Being a responsible father means doing things like organising their child’s doctor appointments, arranging for a babysitter, buying their back to school supplies, or making sure they clean their teeth.
- A remembering father will regularly be thinking about their child.
- A nurturing father will feed their child, give them a bath, buy clothes for them, and take them to the doctor’s.
- An affectionate father will regularly give their child hugs and kisses and let them know they are loved.
- Interactive fathers play with their child, communicate with them and express ideas, positive emotions and free thoughts.
- The provider/protector father ensures they are providing for their family and that they are safe.
When asked how it would be different if fathers were fully engaged in every aspect of family-related services and activities, a woman with many years of experience in welfare and family support services beamed a huge smile as she said ‘It would be just perfect’.