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Celebrating dear old dad
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| Jack Townsend, director of the MBNA Career Services Center, with his adult children, Whitney Sweeney (left) and Tracy Townsend. |
4:55 p.m., June 10, 2005--Just in time for Father’s Day, June 19, UD experts offer perspectives on fatherhood, including information about fathers and their adult children, involvement at school, fathers and divorce and communication within the family.
Kids do better when dad comes to school
Research shows that when fathers participate in three or more events at school their children fare better than those whose fathers do not, Rob Palkovitz, professor of individual and family studies, says.
Dads just want to have fun
Do dads parent differently than moms? Absolutely, Rob Palkovitz, professor of individual and family studies, says. Fathers tend to be more unpredictable and engage in more fun activities with their kids, Palkovitz says.
Even grown-ups need their dads
The bonds between fathers and their adult children are a crucial part of a strong society, Michael Ferrari, associate professor of individual and family studies, says. Adults, as well as children, benefit from a strong and reliable bond with their fathers, according to Ferrari.
Being a good parent on the sidelines
A parent wouldn't dream of standing up at a concert and telling children how to perform better, so how come many parents do exactly that at a baseball game? "Unfortunately, youth sports can bring out the worst behavior in parents," Mark Manno, 4-H youth development educator, says.
Staying connected with kids after divorce
The upheaval of divorce can hurt the closest father-child relationships, according to Pat Tanner Nelson, Cooperative Extension family and human development specialist. Research shows that fathers most likely to withdraw from parenting after a divorce are those who were actively involved in parenting during their marriages, but don't share legal custody of the children, Nelson says.
Becoming a better dad: UD resources can help
Most careers require months, if not years, of education or training. Parenting is one of the few jobs that doesn’t come with any formal training. UD resources can help fathers (and mothers) do their jobs better.
Communicating with your family
There is a perception that men have a harder time expressing their feelings than women do, but successful communication is the same for everyone, Maria Pippidis, Cooperative Extension family and consumer sciences educator, says. Each family member needs to learn how to communicate successfully in order to build healthy relationships.
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