More Involved was excerpted from the book Throwaway Dads , by Ross D. Parke and Armin A. Brott. Be more active If fathers don't start taking the initiative, they'll never be able to assume the child-rearing responsibilities they really want and that their children deserve. Get more practice Don't assume that your partner magically knows more than you do. And the way you're going to get better is by doing things, too. Don't be afraid to get help if you're uncertain or feel ill prepared to be a father.
Programs are available to help fathers learn the basics of caregiving.
Learning to be an active and involved father need not be restricted to the period just after the baby is born. There is no clear evidence that the period right after birth is in any sense the critical time for men to learn fathering skills or to develop emotional ties to their infants and children. Take pride in the special way you are with your kids Men and women have different ways of interacting with their children. Children with physically active dads are more popular and more successful in their relationships with other children. Physical interaction is undoubtedly an important part of the father-child relationship, but being emotionally available and involved is critical, too.