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Dadline Program

Being a Dad

“For fatherhood advice, try to look your child in the eye… get to know their name; that becomes important when you want something. And remember to feed them. That’s about all you need.” – Will Ferrell

Surely the actor of “Daddy’s Home” and dad to three kids must be onto something here. The experience of fatherhood is different for each dad. For most men, though, being a dad is both challenging and rewarding. 

It’s those times trying to put yourself in the shoes of your pregnant partner. Trying to figure out a way to communicate with a baby that only makes – more or less loud – noises. Getting all fuzzy when that same baby smiles at you.  And it’s patting yourself on the back when your teenager proudly says “my dad taught me this”.

But being a dad also means facing a lot of unknowns. The questions filling up your mind may include:

  • How can I be a good example for my child?
  • How can I be present both physically and emotionally when life is so busy?
  • Why don’t I feel close to my baby and when will this fatherhood thing become fun?
  • Why do I keep having those scary dreams about my baby being hurt?
  • How can I be a guiding light for my teen?
  • And how do I love them better without going crazy?

If you are an expectant or a new dad, you probably have a lot of “how” questions, such as “how to prepare/to be a dad?”. But even as a seasoned dad of a young adult, you recognize that there is always more to learn. 

You may feel:

  • Like a great dad who already does his best and would like to continue doing so
  • Completely overwhelmed with all the responsibilities that you now have to deal with

In both cases, DadLINE is the program for you. Each dad is different, and that is why we take into consideration each path and each background.

Did you know that:

  • In general, modern dads are more involved in the lives of their children than ever. They spend an average of 8 hours per week on childcare, which promotes bonding. Others even decide to quit their jobs to be home full-time with their children!
  • Modern dads also enjoy being fathers more than ever before. According to the PewResearch Center, over half of them say parenting is rewarding. But these facts don’t mean that there aren’t any obstacles. In 2015, 52% of dads said they were struggling to find a good work-family balance. 

The challenges of co-parenting can also hinder quantity and quality time. And even when there is time to hang out as a family, you may feel uncertain about what to do, what activity to try.

All in all, being a dad is without a doubt one of the most exciting and frightening experiences you will get to live. 

No matter what this experience has been for you so far, don’t forget the fact that your children need you immensely. 

If you:

  • Take fatherhood seriously
  • Would like to develop your dad skills
  • And improve your relationships
  • Meet other like-minded dads to share with
  • Would like to receive material items and other benefits to provide for your family

We invite you to enroll in our DadLINE program. There is something in it for every dad! To learn more about DadLINE, check out our About Us and Our Services pages.

dadline appointment

Know another dad that would like support and encouragement? Would you like to make a referral for dads who could benefit from our DadLINE program?

  • Spread the word about DadLINE,
  • Download our DadLINE brochure to share with them,
  • Share our website and contact information.

We believe that dads are lifelines for their children, and we are looking forward to hearing from you!

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DadLINE is proud to be a Fatherhood FIRE (Family–focused, Interconnected, Resilient, and Essential) grantee of the Office of Family Assistance.

Funding for this project was provided by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Grant: #HHS-2020-ACF-OFA-ZJ-1846. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families. These services are available to all eligible persons, regardless of race, gender, age, disability, or religion.

Sources:

https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/06/12/fathers-day-facts/

https://www.apa.org/pi/families/resources/changing-father

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