Project Fatherhood (SM): News Article: Project Fatherhood Featured on Patt Morrison

August 18, 2010

Project Fatherhood Featured on Patt Morrison

Ronald Banks, PsyD, director of CII’s Project Fatherhood and facilitator for the father support groups was recently interviewed on Patt Morrison, a live two-hour public affairs show on radio station KPCC-FM 89.3, hosted by the Los Angeles Times columnist. The program is known for its presentation of national and world news as it affects Southern California.

The interview explored the enormous potential of an involved dad and ways to encourage more engaged fathers. According to Dr. Banks, the numbers associated with absentee fathers are staggering, and the role of fathers needs to be more widely recognized as an important part of raising emotionally healthy and balanced children. Dr. Banks discussed how father support groups assists fathers who need assistance parenting at-risk children. He also shared key ways to help these fathers play a more active role in their children’s lives.

The professionals involved in a support group address the issues and effects of stress, social isolation, self-esteem, and intergenerational issues. Dr. Banks noted that fathers who grow up in abusive environments, who have strained relationships with their child’s mother, or who have no support are unable to meet the needs of their children effectively and in a positive way. The support group helps them to resolve these personal issues and model a more appropriate lifestyle than the one in which they were raised.

Project Fatherhood also includes a “significant others” group that involves mothers in order to encourage communication and positive co-parenting without causing stress for the children. The goal of the program is to promote children’s emotional well-being and to teach the steps necessary to keep fathers more involved, engaged and “just plain present” in their children’s lives.

Click here to listen to the interview

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