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• Supporting Fathers Involvement (SFI) Lethbridge Herald news story

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The Lethbridge Herald
City, Monday, December 20, 2010, p. A3
Get involved. Sherri Gallant LETHBRIDGE HERALD

sgallant@lethbridgeherald.com

It may seem like a stereotype that fathers are less involved in their children's lives than mothers are, but such is still the case in many homes.

Research continues to show how important paternal involvement is for the healthy development of kids, but it also reveals that the connections benefit Dads just as much.

Cheryl Skaien, early childhood co-ordinator at Family Centre, said Family Centre was chosen by the Norlien Foundation to be the southern Alberta location for a three-year pilot project, fully funded by the foundation, with help from the province.

"We're not full yet, so people can still register, but there's more than just a phone call involved in registering," said Skaien. "There is an interview process to make sure the program is a good fit.

Fathers have a different parenting style than mothers, but both are needed to provide balance to a child, especially when they are preschoolers.

The 11-week course, called Supporting Father Involvement (SFI) is designed to encourage both parents to understand that a father-child relationship doesn't operate to the exclusion of a mother-child relationship, but is unique and equally beneficial.

"Both parents must be willing to participate, even if they're not together," said Skaien. "If the dad is a widower, is there someone else who could come with him - a special auntie, a grandma, a significant mother figure?"

It's created for families with at least one child under age seven - even for parents who are expecting a child. They can be married, divorced, living together or apart. Relatives and step-parents can also participate. Parents will meet once a week for 11 weeks in a group setting led by both a male and a female facilitator. The program, a family supper, and childcare are all provided free of charge. Participants will have access to a case manager for additional support and referrals.

"The case manager is assigned to that family for a full year and checks in with them every week to see how things are going. If something happens in that year, maybe dad loses his job, or his car breaks down, the case manager will help them deal with it."

SFI is possible through funding provided by the Norlien Foundation's Alberta Family Wellness Initiative.

The first program begins Jan. 4, and space is limited so those who are interested are encouraged to register soon.

Norlien researchers have shown that when children are well-connected and involved with their dads, the positive impacts include reduced contact with juvenile justice; delay in initial sexual activity and reduced teen pregnancy; lower rate of divorce; and less reliance on aggressive conflict resolution.

At school they're more likely to graduate and make more money. Boys show greater verbal strength and girls exhibit better math skills.

Boys and girls tend to be better problem solvers and tolerate stress well. What's more, kids with involved fathers show greater empathy and moral sensitivity, and reduced gender stereotyping.

For the dads - it doesn't get much better than this: turns out being an involved father ups their longevity; strengthens their marriage and improves their level of health. They are less at risk for accidental death or suicide; aren't as likely to change jobs; and aren't as prone to aggression and impulsivity.

"Fathers like to rough house, and mothers are more nurturing," said Skaien. "Fathers have a different way of playing and a different way of interractig with children. Sometimes fathers don't know how to play with their kids, and we're going to talk about that, too."

For more information, visit www.famcentre.ca or call 403-320-4232, ext. 221 to register.

Christmas decorations:

In helping us decorate our offices and play areas in a Christmas theme, we thank Express Coffee & Tea. This photos of Santa watching over the Family Centre halls is only a small part of the decorations that Express Coffee & Tea provided for us.

 

222, 5 Street South, Lethbridge
Phone: 403 327-0999

Express Coffee & Tea's Facebook Page
Express Coffee & Tea's Website

 

If you have any decorations for any cultural events coming up, please contact us.

Lethbridge Ironworks Indoor Playground:

This hosted, dynamic, indoor playground is available to you and your children, rain or shine, all year round, during Family Centre open hours.  Come interact in a safe, developmentally appropriate environment and have fun! Thanks to Lethbridge Iron Works, there is no charge for using this playroom! See Brochure

If you are interested in becoming a "Play Volunteer" please contact our volunteer coordinator.

Family Centre's Imagination Station:

We are looking for donations of the following items for our Imagination Station: (any donations that are not clean and washed will not be accepted.

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