~ Focus on the fathers ~
In an effort to encourage, motivate and support fathers in their parenting role, the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development, and Labour (VSA) will be hosting its third Annual Pregnancy Market on Saturday, September 6, at National Institute for Performance Arts (NIPA) in Cay Hill next to Asha Stevens Hillside Christian School from 10:00am to 3:00pm.
This year's Pregnancy Market will be used as a vehicle to highlight and emphasize the importance of a father's involvement in the life of a child from the onset of pregnancy and beyond. In doing so, a theme that reflects this end was selected: "Pregnancy and Dad Care: It's a role we share."
Over the years, there's been much discussion about the absentee dad and the non-involvement of fathers in the lives of children. Notwithstanding such discussions, there has been a lot of studies done that indicate the importance of father involvement in a child's life from the womb and how the lack thereof affects the wellbeing and positive development of a child.
I am confident we all can agree that when both mother and father are positively involved, there are noticeable benefits. This, however, does not speak of the parent, the father who is physically present but is actively absent, meaning there is a father who resides in the home but is not involved in the upbringing of the child. While presence plays a role, being actively involved at all levels of the child's life, from changing his/her pampers to teaching the child to ride a bike or even holding the child's hand to cross the street, makes a resounding difference.
Research shows that when there is an active father in the life of a child:
•It reduces the frequency of anti-social and delinquent behaviour; the child is less likely to get in trouble with the law.
•It reduces the incidence of psychological issues and problems.
•The child has a higher IQ scoring on cognitive test and tends to perform better at school and is less likely to drop out of school.
•The child is likely to lead a more successful career, which can lead to a better income and financial stability.
•The child in turn becomes an active parent and is seen as a role model.
The rewards and benefits do not begin and end with the child, however; you too as a father can reap many benefits. For starters, it is a rewarding but sometimes intimidating feeling and experience to know that there is someone who depends on you for survival. It is an awesome opportunity to mould and shape the life of another positively. In addition, research also shows that active fatherhood can give men a sense of purpose for life which motivates and inspires him to make better life choices and it increases life expectancy. In essence, if you intend to live a long, healthy and rewarding life; you must become an active father – BE A FATHER WHO CARES!
The pregnancy market will feature lectures addressing topics such as "What can dad expect during pregnancy?" "Tips for fathers; what can you do to support her during pregnancy?" "Experience teaches us joys and cries of fatherhood." The setting for the day will create an ambiance with a market style setting of different organizations and businesses that cater to parents and new-borns.
The third Annual Pregnancy Market is this Saturday, September 6, at NIPA in Cay Hill next to Asha Stevens Hillside Christian School from 10:00am to 3:00pm.
