Fathers' involvement and children's developmental outcomes: a systematic review of longitudinal studies.

I found that this is a great article that provides a lot of information about fathers and their role in a child's life.This systematic review aims to describe longitudinal evidence on the effects of father involvement on children's developmental outcomes.
Methods: Father involvement was conceptualized as accessibility (cohabitation), engagement, responsibility or other complex measures of involvement. Both biological fathers and father figures were included. We searched all major databases from the first dates. Data on father involvement had to be generated at least 1 year before measuring offspring outcomes.
There is evidence to support the positive influence of father engagement on offspring social, behavioural and psychological outcomes. Although the literature only provides sufficient basis for engagement (direct interaction with the child) as the specific form of 'effective' father involvement, there is enough support to urge both professionals and policy makers to improve circumstances for involved fathering.

 

 "Fathers Rock" this article made me excited about the positive influence they make even when they feel like they don't make a difference at all.

 

 

 

 

References

Sarkadi, A., Kristiansson, R., Oberklaid, F., & Bremberg, S. (2008). Fathers' involvement and children's developmental outcomes: a systematic review of longitudinal studies. Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway: 1992), 97(2), 153-158.

Why is it important to reduce language barriers? How can we help families?

Can reducing language barriers help provide affordable, high quality childcare for low income families? I taught head start for only 2 years and I found out that many of my students were Hispanic and they didn’t speak English. I had an interpreter (on call) and I found it very difficult to communicate with my families and children. Throughout the years the U.S. population is constantly increasing and the number of non – English speakers have doubled. I want to make a stronger relationship for the teachers, families and children. If I were to open a center that offered English courses for the non-English speaking parents, I think this would open many opportunities to affordable childcare, jobs and more. By offering effective resources to parents they can understand

education options if they became dual language learners, understand eligibility and enrollment

 process, would not be in the less common group cultural and linguistic, open doors to professional

development.

If you have any advice or resources that would be beneficial please feel free to share them.