Supporting a father's role in parenting

Fathers are an important part of a child's wellbeing and often need support to make sure they can do their best as a parent.

How can a father get involved in parenting?

Spend time with your children - How you spend your time can show your children what you think is important. Choosing to spend your time with them helps develop your bond and can be fun for every member of your family
Positive guidance and discipline - This means using guidance and discipline to set boundaries rather than as punishment. Remind children of the consequences of their actions and reinforce good behaviour with positivity
Be your child's role model - Parents are role models to the children. Behaving kindly, respectfully and responsibly in front of your children teaches them to do the same
Talk to your children about important things - This will make difficult or complicated conversations easier to have together as your children grow older
Eat together as a family - Sharing meals is a great way for your family to bond. Use it as an opportunity to talk and listen to your children and get involved in their lives
Read to your children - Making the effort to read to your children from a young age will encourage them to love reading and do so on their own when they're older. This sets them on the path to literacy and a good education
Respect the other parent of your children - Parents who clearly respect each other and their children help to provide a secure environment for the whole family. It also teaches your children to respect the other parent

Dad Info - Dad info gets information to dads so that they can get the best for their children, information covers everything from pregnancy, birth and babies, to financial, legal and education information – from a dads perspective. Dad Info website.
Babycentre - With lots of general information, this site also has a good section for dads, with a handy ‘Dads ask mums' forum.
Families Need Fathers - Because both parents matter. Families Need Fathers website. Helpline Telephone No: 0300 0300 363 Mon – Fri 9am -10pm, Sat- Sun 10am -3pm
Fatherhood Institute - A small charity that has been working to raise the profile of ‘involved fatherhood’. Fatherhood Institute website.
Family Rights Group - A charity that works with parents in England and Wales whose children are in need, at risk, or in the care system and with members of the wider family who are raising children unable to remain at home. Family Rights Group website. Confidential Advice Line 0808 801 0366