FOCUS ON FATHERS PARENTING PROGRAM | WINTER 2022

We know that fathers play a critical role in their child’s growth and development. Father involvement is important. For example, the relationship between a father and a child has a deep impact on children’s healthy development in language, thinking, physical, and social–emotional learning.

Involved fathers enhance their children’s communication skills because they tend to ask children questions, which builds vocabulary and conversational skills. Positive father involvement includes direct interaction with children, including caregiving and shared activities.

The program is intended for fathers of children between 0-12, but all fathers and father figures are welcome to attend.

As part of the Raising Wisconsin’s Children Extension Parenting series, Bev Doll, Human Development and Relationships Educator, and a group of fellow extension educators are offering a parenting program especially for dads. Bev says that previous research shows that children whose fathers are involved in their daily care, such as feeding, bathing, and playing together, tend to be more confident; and, as children grow older, they enjoy stronger social connections with peers. Furthermore, fathers who care for, nurture, and play with their babies raise children with higher IQs and children with better language and cognitive skills.

Join Bev, and her colleague’s for a special on-line fatherhood program called Focus on Fathers.  You will connect with other fathers as well! Explore parenting tips and learn ways to strengthen your relationship with your child. Topics include:

• February 10- Is That a Good Choice?
• February 17- Keep Calm and Carry On
• February 24- Feeling all my Feelings
• March 3- Building Strong Relationships

Sessions will be held on Thursday evenings via zoom, and will run from 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm. We hope you join us!

Call Bev Doll at the Grant County Extension Office for more information at (608) 723-2125.