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 News and Commentary Stronger Families keeps a close eye on local and national media, scanning the headlines for articles, interviews, and reports that deal with family issues. When we find something of particular interest, we try to reproduce it here, in part or in full. Our goal is to provide our visitors with the broadest, most complete resource on family related literature on the web. In The News Building Blocks: How Fathers Give Children a Head Start Prepared by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this is the first in a five part study outlining the importance of a father's role in their child's life. the first building block presents research highlighting the father's contribution to child development. Fatherhood and Football By Andrew Greif, Daily Emerald, University of Oregon September 26, 2008 EUGENE, Ore---When U of O defensive tackle Ra' Shon Harris became a father 18 months ago, his football coach Mike Bellotti noticed a change in his behavior on the field. The leadership role he took in being a father has helped improve his commitment to his teammates, his game, and allowed him to mature into a responsible adult. Teen Dads Often Cropped Out of the Picture By Kevin Simpson, The Denver Post September 21, 2008 Simpson shares how many teen dads face stereotypes that they will leave the mother and abandon the responsibilities of being a father. Simpson sites programs that help teen dads stay in school and pursue education to help financially provide for their children. The Building Blocks of Being a Dad By Larry Matthews, Christianity Canada September, 2008 Matthews discusses lessons he learned as a father. He shares how he has transitioned from them relying on him completely, to their growing independence, and his realization that he needs them more than he ever realized. Arizona Center Helps Men Become Better Fathers By Eugene Scott, The Arizona Republic September 2, 2008 ARIZONA---For the past two years, the Arizona Center for Responsible Fatherhood has helped over 650 men find jobs and learn the skills to become better fathers. The Center is part of Child and Family Resources and is funded by the Department of Health and Human Services. Father-Figure Mentors Help Boys Become Men By Nancy Torrison, Minnesota Spokesman Reporter August 27, 2008 MINNESOTA---Torrison writes of Kinship, a program in the greater Minneapolis area that places kids age 5-15 with mentoring couples. In the article she shares the example of a widowed mom who turned to kinship to provide father figures to her young boys. Her boys are now successful businessmen who have chosen to mentor children in their towns. Bring Out the Best in Your Man By Belinda Elliot, CBN August, 2008 Elliot reviews best selling Oregon author Rick Johnson's new book "The Man Whisperer: Speaking Your Man's Language to Bring out His Best." Johnson shares the power women's words have in lifting up or tearing down their husbands. Johnson notes that men will live up to expectations their women set for them. Doing Time to Be a Better Dad By Karen Goldberg Goff, Washington Times August 13, 2008 MARYLAND---The Maryland based National Fatherhood Institute has started the InsideOut Dad program to help inmates learn how to be better models. The Maryland Department of Corrections notes it usually has a waiting list for the program. Fatherhood Worth the Fight By Melanie C. Johnson, The Press-Enterprise August 10, 2008 SAN BERNADINO,CA---Over 150 people met at a wrestling ring in San Bernadino for the Million Father March. The goal is for fathers to take a more active role in their children's' lives. The event is one of 600 planned around the country. Mighty Men of Valour Croydon Today July 23, 2008 ENGLAND---The Mighty Men of Valour (MMV), A group of men in England have joined forces to “eradicate immoral, indecent and deviant behavior committed by men”. They seek to help men become better fathers. Bringing Black Fathers Back Into the Family By Shaun Bailey, TimesOnline.uk, Op-Ed July 20, 2008 ENGLAND---Bailey seconds David Cameron's, leader of the Conservative Party, comments on asking black fathers to take up their responsibility for their family. Bailey notes that statistics show that a black child has a 58% chance of growing up in a fatherless family (compared to a 22% chance for a white child). He encourages the government to focus on the importance of marriage and family as well as children. American Fathers Worth Rebuilding By Ronald C. Warren, The Washington Times, Op Ed July 6, 2008 In the report "The One Hundred Billion Dollar Man, The Annual Costs of Fatherhood," the National Fatherhood Institute found that father absence costs the nation 1 billion dollars. The cost comes from Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the Earned Income Tax Credit. Warren calls for a reduction in this cost by rebuilding the father through public education campaigns and social service organizations, for example. Gary Oldman Chooses Fatherhood World Entertainment News Network July 5, 2008 In this newsclip, Oldman shares how he now chooses movie roles that allow him to spend quality time with his kids. Fireman Make Time for Fatherhood By Kathleen Moore, Daily Gazette July 5, 2008 NEW YORK---Moore shares how many firefighters are using their days off to take care of their kids instead of finding a second job. The firefighters note how even thought they are often tired, they often work together and draw on each other for help. Fathering in America By Marie Hartwell-Walker, Psych Central June 25, 2008 Realizing that kids need a father as well as a mother, Hartwell-Walker teaches how "the idea of an involved father translates to daily life." This list includes being there throughout their childhood, balance discipline with fun and being the role model of an adult male. Dad is a Lout on Father's Day Cards Associated Press May 24, 2008 Many fathers are frustrated with Father's Day cards that portray dads as incompetent fathers. According to Hallmark, card makers are getting the hint and creating cards, even humorous ones, that are more respectful. Dads Approach Fatherhood in New Ways By Kelly Day, The Indiana Star Press June 15, 2008 INDIANA--Day shares how many fathers are turning away from making their job their number one priority and are instead focusing on spending more time with their kids. George Foreman on Fatherhood By Mike Celizic, MSNBC.com July 11, 2008 In an interview with the Today show, former heavyweight champion, and father of 10 kids, George Foreman said father's need to spend time with their family, and tell your kids you love them. He noted these two qualities are more important than financial gain. A Fatherless Generation: Interview with Rick Johnson Sarah Moore, Relevant Magazine June 9, 2008 In an interview with Sarah Moore, editorial intern at Relevant Magazine, Rick Johnson of Better Dads shares the impact of fatherlessness on society and what the church can do specifically to reach out. England: Single Mothers Will Be Forced to Name Father on Birth Certificate By James Chapman, Daily Mail June 3, 2008 ENGLAND---Under a new law, single mothers will be required to put the name of their child's father on their baby's birth certificate. The government hopes this will give children the security of knowing both their mother and father. Dads Need to Protect Their Kids from Gang and School Violence Press Release, The National Fatherhood Initiative April 17, 2008 CHICAGO---According to Jeffrey M. Levin, attorney and President Emeritus of the Fatherhood Initiative, there is a a connection between father absence and juvenile delinquency and crimes. Often males join gangs to fill the emptiness from not having a father in their life. Steps for Potential Stay At Home Dads By Brian Reid, USA Today April 2, 2008 Reid sets out six steps husbands and wives should consider before the husband decides to stay at home with their kids. The steps include outlining the parental roles/chores, getting prepared to fend off stereotypes, calculate the cost/savings, learn to find time not on "the clock," decide if you'll re-enter the workforce in the future, and remember to take pride in the job of taking care of your children. Australian Stay At Home Dads Increase By Clair Weaver, News.com.au March 30, 2008 AUSTRALIA---According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there was a 37.5% increase in the number of Stay at home dads since 2006. Reality of Fatherhood By Vanessa E. Jones, The Boston Globe March 3, 2008 Reality shows, such as "Father Hood," and "Run's House" depict the lives of rappers Snoop Dogg, and Run-DMC, respectfully, and how they father their children. This article highlights how black fathers are disillusioned with the way reality shows portray fatherhood. These fathers tell their own personal experiences. Fatherhood Beckons Coach Tony Annese By Mike McCabe, Detroit Free Press February 22, 2008 MUSKEGON, Michigan---Legendary football coach Tony Annese has chosen to resign after 8 years at the head football coach at Muskegon High School. Annese shares he will be back, but after his kids are grown; he has missed too much of their lives. Fatherhood Has Strong Effect on Celtic's Powe By Marc J. Spears, Boston Globe January 20, 2008 BOSTON---Boston Celtics' player Leon Powe II did not have a relationship with his father so he is determined to play a strong role in the life of his newborn son, Leon Powe III. Celtics' coach Don Rivers notes many of the players are fatherless. Often it causes a struggle as they have difficulty dealing with male authority. Overworked Dads Miss Time With Children By Sarah Womak, Telegraph.co.uk January 8, 2008 ENGLAND--According to a government funded report, dads in Britain feel they are working too much overtime and missing valuable time with their children. Fathers in the report would like more flexible hours. My Daddy's Name is Donor | |||
