“The greatest thing a father can do for his daughter, is love her mother.”
WORDS OF WISDOM
Becoming a Parent … the bits we don’t talk about
The first few months after having a baby is a period of time like no other.
It is life stage that arrives after many months of growing a new life inside of you and constantly adjusting to all the biological and psychological changes that brings. The arrival of your baby is a powerful event, regardless of delivery style. Your infant must slowly unfurl into a world of bright lights, noise, pollution and new experiences and you must recover from a life-changing period of physical change and emotional upheaval.
The Influence of Dads …
For decades researchers have studied the impact of father involvement on children’s developmental outcomes, the co-parenting relationship, and development of fathers themselves. Here is a plethora of results from a variety of researchers.
5 Things Dads can do to Raise Emotionally Healthy Children
Sometimes I have the opportunity to work with men on issues of fatherhood including the themes of communication, commitment, identity, intimacy and trust. The men I work with often have difficulties in their personal lives relating to the people they love most. They yearn for their children to be happy and successful, yet they often lack the skills and ability to model a way to help them accomplish this.
Dads Love, Laugh, Listen and Learn…
"Almost any man can be a father, but it takes a special person to be a dad."
The quality of Love, Laughter, Listening and Learning within a family are the key factors in its happiness and success. These four values are the foundation of any happy, healthy family and society.
Raising Extraordinary Kids
After almost 35 years ( to the day), I have had the absolute privilege of walking side by side with thousands of families – families experiencing family violence, suffering from addictions, life-changing mental health diagnosis, families with complex medical needs, children without families, and families who have suffered devastating losses of children.
64 Positive Things to Say to Your Kids
“You never know the words that your kids will carry with them the rest of their lives.
How Can Parents Influence The Teaching of Childhood Empathy?
“There is more to human empathy than merely sharing another creature’s pain.”
Neuroscientists Jean Decety and Philip L. Jackson (2004) argue that human empathy requires several components …
Grandparents have so much to offer
Promoting and encouraging our children to connect and spend time with their grandparents is one of the most important things as parents that we can do.
Often it feels like the input we have as parents in our children’s lives is foremost and holds the greatest influence over their development and worldview and, of course, it is important- it should be. But children are generally born into existing extended families and should be encouraged to spend time there. The extended family members can provide a unique and influential role in our children’s lives, as well as be a practical and emotional support base for the parents.
When it takes a village
The proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” expresses an underlying truth regardless of where you are situated in the world, your culture and your social economic status. This African proverb brings to light the community’s role in raising children. Families, particularly mothers, and their children are part of a larger group within the community, extended kinship and social structure. Every parent who loves his/ her child(ren) know that raising children who resonate one’s values and who go on to become well-adjusted adults who contribute to society is not easy.
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Visit the CPH&P Director, Louise Shalders’ website to read more of her articles related to Perinatal Health & Parenting. She is passionate about providing quality reading…