The benefit of dads being hands-on, engaged parents is obvious. But despite more men taking on the role of primary carer over recent years, this has yet to be reflected in the number of men who use children's centres.
Little research has been done to back up the vital importance of engaged fathers. However, a study carried out in the US in 2009 demonstrated some of the benefits: when fathers took part in 16-week parenting sessions, either alone or with the mother, their children were less likely to show signs of aggression, depression, anxiety and hyperactivity.
Many practitioners will agree that family services should not be targeted at low-income families for fear of stigmatizing those who attend. But in the quest for universal services, shouldn't we also be careful not to stigmatize fathers by targeting all our promotions at mums?
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