FATHERHOOD

FATHERHOOD

Although one generally doesn’t think of being
a dad as a health issue, there’s no question that
it is.

FATHERHOOD

IT’S GOOD FOR YOU

Many men find that becoming a father gives
their life new meaning. It also provides a reason to make positive changes in their
lives, such as quitting smoking and drinking, driving more carefully, eating bett
e r, getting more exercise, and managing stress. Overall, men who are actively
involved in their children’s lives tend to be healthier, have more fulfilling careers
and marriages, and live longer.
C h i l d ren are more likely to do well academically, to participate in
extracurricular activities, and to enjoy school and are less likely to have
ever repeated a grade or to have been suspended or expelled if their
fathers have high as opposed to low involvement in their schools.
National Center For Education Statistics
IT’S GOOD FOR YOUR CHILDREN
R e s e a rch shows that children with involved fathers do better in school, are more
likely to graduate high school, have more friends, have fewer psychological
problems, and are less likely to smoke, abuse drugs or alcohol, engage in risky
b e h a v i o r, start having sex early, or become teen parents.
STAYING INVOLVED AFTER DIVORCE OR SEPARATION
If you’re divorced or never married, being an involved dad is critical. You may
not be able to see your children as often as you’d like, but that doesn’t mean
you’re not important to them. So never miss a chance to spend time with your
child. Being a frequent and regular presence in their lives will give them the
same benefits outlined above. And be sure to get involved in your children’s
school. Children are more likely to get A’s in school, to enjoy school, and to participate
in extracurricular activities if their nonresident fathers are involved in
their schools, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

BEING A GOOD ROLE MODEL

One of the most important ways dads improve their children's physical and psychological
health is by setting a good example. Boys learn from their fathers
what it means to be a man in our society. With a good role model, they will learn
how to treat women properly, and they will learn that you don't have to be a
tough guy to be a man.
Don't underestimate your importance as a role model for your daughters. As the
first man in her life, you influence her in many ways. How you treat your wife
sets the tone for your daughter's relationships with boys and men. The encouragement
and support you show her when she's a child will help her become a
self-confident, successful woman.

Perhaps the best thing you can do for your children is to take care of yourself
and follow the advice in this book. Eat right, exercise, drink only in moderation,
and remember that your children are always watching what you do. Besides
helping improve the quality and length of your life, you’ll be giving your children
the tools to do the same.

TIPS TO HELP YOU BE THE KIND OF DAD YOU WANT TO BE

Here are some other tips that can help you be the kind of dad you want to be
and that your children need you to be:
• Jump in! D o n ’t worry about making a few mistakes. Being a good dad—
just like being a good mom—comes with practice. If you really need some
help, ask for it, but trust your instincts. Chances are you’ll do exactly the
right thing.
• D o n ’t waste a second. The sooner dads start holding and caring for their
babies, the sooner they learn what babies need and what they have to
do to comfort them. In the first year, babies mostly need to feel loved. So
cuddle, talk, sing, read, and show your baby the sights, sounds, and smells
of his or her new world.
• Be a partner not a helper. After money, couples argue most about who
does what around the house. The more responsibility you take on, the
happier your wife will be, the happier you’ll be, and the stronger your
relationship will be.
• Stand your ground. If you’re feeling left out, talk to your wife about it.
Show her that you’re serious about wanting to be an equal participant, and
that you’re ready and able to do the job.
• S u p p o rt breastfeeding. I d e a l l y, your baby should have nothing but breast
milk for the first six months. But nursing is sometimes hard for new moms.
Make sure your partner gets plenty of fluids and rest, and encourage her
e v e ry way you can.
• D o n ’t forget your relationship. Before you became parents, you and your
wife spent a lot of time together, building your relationship. But now, your
baby is the focus of nearly everything you do. Set aside some time every
day to talk with your partner—about something other than the baby.