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News and Commentary

Stronger Families keeps a close eye on local and national media, scanning the headlines for articles, interviews, and reports that deal with family issues. When we find something of particular interest, we try to reproduce it here, in part or in full. Our goal is to provide our visitors with the broadest, most complete resource on family related literature on the web.

In The News

Building Blocks: How Fathers Give Children a Head Start

Prepared by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this is the first in a five part study outlining the importance of a father's role in their child's life. the first building block presents research highlighting the father's contribution to child development.

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American Fathers Worth Rebuilding

By Ronald C. Warren, The Washington Times, Op Ed

July 6, 2008

In the report "The One Hundred Billion Dollar Man, The Annual Costs of Fatherhood," the National Fatherhood Institute found that father absence costs the nation 1 billion dollars. The cost comes from Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the Earned Income Tax Credit. Warren calls for a reduction in this cost by rebuilding the father through public education campaigns and social service organizations, for example.

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Gary Oldman Chooses Fatherhood

World Entertainment News Network

July 5, 2008

In this newsclip, Oldman shares how he now chooses movie roles that allow him to spend quality time with his kids.

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Fireman Make Time for Fatherhood

By Kathleen Moore, Daily Gazette

July 5, 2008

NEW YORK---Moore shares how many firefighters are using their days off to take care of their kids instead of finding a second job. The firefighters note how even thought they are often tired, they often work together and draw on each other for help.

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Fathering in America

By Marie Hartwell-Walker, Psych Central

June 25, 2008

Realizing that kids need a father as well as a mother, Hartwell-Walker teaches how "the idea of an involved father translates to daily life." This list includes being there throughout their childhood, balance discipline with fun and being the role model of an adult male.

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Dad is a Lout on Father's Day Cards

Associated Press

May 24, 2008

Many fathers are frustrated with Father's Day cards that portray dads as incompetent fathers. According to Hallmark, card makers are getting the hint and creating cards, even humorous ones, that are more respectful.

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Dads Approach Fatherhood in New Ways

By Kelly Day, The Indiana Star Press

June 15, 2008

INDIANA--Day shares how many fathers are turning away from making their job their number one priority and are instead focusing on spending more time with their kids.

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George Foreman on Fatherhood

By Mike Celizic, MSNBC.com

July 11, 2008

In an interview with the Today show, former heavyweight champion, and father of 10 kids, George Foreman said father's need to spend time with their family, and tell your kids you love them. He noted these two qualities are more important than financial gain.

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A Fatherless Generation: Interview with Rick Johnson

Sarah Moore, Relevant Magazine

June 9, 2008

In an interview with Sarah Moore, editorial intern at Relevant Magazine, Rick Johnson of Better Dads shares the impact of fatherlessness on society and what the church can do specifically to reach out.

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England: Single Mothers Will Be Forced to Name Father on Birth Certificate

By James Chapman, Daily Mail

June 3, 2008

ENGLAND---Under a new law, single mothers will be required to put the name of their child's father on their baby's birth certificate. The government hopes this will give children the security of knowing both their mother and father.

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Dads Need to Protect Their Kids from Gang and School Violence

Press Release, The National Fatherhood Initiative

April 17, 2008

CHICAGO---According to Jeffrey M. Levin, attorney and President Emeritus of the Fatherhood Initiative, there is a a connection between father absence and juvenile delinquency and crimes. Often males join gangs to fill the emptiness from not having a father in their life.

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Steps for Potential Stay At Home Dads

By Brian Reid, USA Today

April 2, 2008

Reid sets out six steps husbands and wives should consider before the husband decides to stay at home with their kids. The steps include outlining the parental roles/chores, getting prepared to fend off stereotypes, calculate the cost/savings, learn to find time not on "the clock," decide if you'll re-enter the workforce in the future, and remember to take pride in the job of taking care of your children.

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Australian Stay At Home Dads Increase

By Clair Weaver, News.com.au

March 30, 2008

AUSTRALIA---According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there was a 37.5% increase in the number of Stay at home dads since 2006.

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Reality of Fatherhood

By Vanessa E. Jones, The Boston Globe

March 3, 2008

Reality shows, such as "Father Hood," and "Run's House" depict the lives of rappers Snoop Dogg, and Run-DMC, respectfully, and how they father their children. This article highlights how black fathers are disillusioned with the way reality shows portray fatherhood. These fathers tell their own personal experiences.

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Fatherhood Beckons Coach Tony Annese

By Mike McCabe, Detroit Free Press

February 22, 2008

MUSKEGON, Michigan---Legendary football coach Tony Annese has chosen to resign after 8 years at the head football coach at Muskegon High School. Annese shares he will be back, but after his kids are grown; he has missed too much of their lives.

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Fatherhood Has Strong Effect on Celtic's Powe

By Marc J. Spears, Boston Globe

January 20, 2008

BOSTON---Boston Celtics' player Leon Powe II did not have a relationship with his father so he is determined to play a strong role in the life of his newborn son, Leon Powe III. Celtics' coach Don Rivers notes many of the players are fatherless. Often it causes a struggle as they have difficulty dealing with male authority.

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Overworked Dads Miss Time With Children

By Sarah Womak, Telegraph.co.uk

January 8, 2008

ENGLAND--According to a government funded report, dads in Britain feel they are working too much overtime and missing valuable time with their children. Fathers in the report would like more flexible hours.

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My Daddy's Name is Donor

By Catherine Bruton, The Timesonline

December 13, 2007

ENGLAND---This article outlines the debate on whether being conceived by a sperm donor harms or benefits children.

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Stepping Up to Fatherhood

By Stan Simpson, the Hartford Courant

December 15, 2007

CONNECTICUT---The article highlights how some inmates are choosing to turn their life around so they can be better fathers to their children.

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Study Ties Long Life to Fatherhood

Family News in Focus

November 29, 2007

Researchers from University of Chicago's Center on Aging studied WWI draft cards and found that men in their 30s with 1 to 3 children had a 61 percent increased chance of living past 100 than men without children.

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Fatherhood Puts Game Into Perspective

By Karen Crouse, New York Times

November 2, 2007

Jacksonville Jaguar's Fred Taylor shares how his career has taken second place to being a father to his four children.

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Helping Fathers Affected By Abortion

By Mark Pattison, Catholic News Service

September 21, 2007

Reclaiming Fatherhood is the first conference to focus on the effects abortion has on men.

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Dr. Dad: For New Daddies

By Laura Urbani, Pittsburgh Tribune Review

September 3, 2007

Dr. Dad: For New Daddies is a program offered by the National Institute for Fatherhood that prepares men for caring for their newborns. Instructors with Dr. Dad note that many men are hesitant to get involved because they don't want to appear incompetent.

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NOW Challenges Fatherhood Program

Family News in Focus

August 31, 2007

The National Organization of Women has filed a complaint against three fatherhood programs funded by the U.S. Department of Human Services. The complaint listed the groups sexually discriminate against women.

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Fatherhood Initiative in Milwaukee

By Tannette Johnson-Elie

August 22, 2007

Milwaukee, Wisconsin---Sam Marcus, cinema owner, has teamed up with other men in high leadership positions to lead the Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative. The Initiative addresses the problem of absentee fathers.

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Singer Jordan Knight Loves Fatherhood

By Steve Helling, People Magazine

August 13, 2007

Jordan Knight reached fame as a part of the New Kids on the Block and now as a solo artist. However, as he shares, fatherhood is the best thing he has ever done.

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Detroit Program Helps Dads Find Jobs

By Sharon Gittleman, Detroit Free Press

August 12, 2007

DETROIT, Mich---The Detroit Workforce Development's Fatherhood Institute trains and councils unemployed fathers who have difficulty finding work. The Institute also refers fathers to perspective businesses.

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Father and Child Library Reading Contest

By Kathleen Ganster, Post-Gazette

August 9, 2007

PITTSBURGH, PA---Youth Adult Librarian Susan Claus, of the Northland Public Library in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania created a great activity to encourage fathers to spend time reading with their children. With the help of the Fatherhood Initiative, she held the "Book Smackdown" a reading contest with father/child teams.

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Importance of Play for Fathers and Children

By The Colorado Department of Human Services, Cherry Creek News

July 30, 2007

COLORADO---According to Rich Bratton, fatherhood specialist with the Colorado Department of Human Services, it is very children benefit from small, consistent moments playing together with their father. The article suggests several activities fathers can play with their children.

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Bill Cosby Stresses Importance of Fatherhood

By Lee Sawyer, Journal Inquirer

July 24, 2007

CONNECTICUT---Bill Cosby gave a commencement speech to at a graduation ceremony for inmates receiving their general education degrees. Bill Cosby emphasized the graduates need to be better fathers by reaching out to their children and giving them more quality time than material products.

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Soccer Dad

By Jim Paglia, Soccer America.com

July 12, 2007

Paglia shares how fathers need to encourage their children when playing sports. Too many fathers coach and belittle their children (especially sons) during sporting events. Children to see their fathers act respectfully to others instead.

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More Try Fatherhood in their 40s

By Jenny Song, The Charlotte Observer

July 5, 2007

The National Center for Health Statistics reported that more men are fathering children in their forties than ever before. In 2004, 24 out of 1,000 United States men aged 40-44 fathered a child. This is up 18% from 1990. Babies born to fathers aged 20-24 dropped 15%.

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Helping the Fight for Fatherhood

By Felicia Thomas-Lynn, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

June 29, 2007

MILWAUKEE, WI---The article shares examples of fathers who had a difficult time obtaining custody of their children. It notes how the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare is doing more to communicate with biological fathers and different agencies in the state.

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Fatherhood More than the "Old Man"

By Jake Krob, The Mt. Vernon Sun

June 21, 2007

Krob discusses the importance of being an active father in the lives of his children.

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Fatherhood Suits Ensberg

By John Klima, The Daily Breeze

June 21, 2007

Houston Astros baseball player Morgan Ensberg shares the joys and importance of fatherhood.

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Federal Government Launches Fatherhood Website

By Jason Saine, The Lincoln Tribune

June 17, 2007

WASHINGTON D.C.---The Administration for Children and Families has launched the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse website at http://www.fatherhood.gov. The website provides tips and information on responsible fatherhood.

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Lessons of Fatherhood Learned at Play

By Michael Dolan, The Philadelphia Inquirer

June 15, 2007

Dolan shares how his memory of his father teaching him to ride a bike has given him lessons in how to teach and guide his children, and how to know when to give them the freedom they need.

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Choosing Fatherhood for All the Right Reasons

By Ernie Crownover, The Greeley Tribune, Op-Ed.

June 4, 2007

COLORADO---Crownover shares the joys and importance of fatherhood. He gives tips for fathers to remember.

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Dads Not Needed to Make Babies

ThisLondon.uk

May 17, 2007

ENGLAND---The Human Tissue and Embryos Bill will no longer require fertility clinics to consider the baby's need for a father before providing fertility treatment.

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Barak Obama on Fatherhood

By Chuck Raasch, The Tuscon Citizen

May 16, 2007

At a recent rally in South Carolina, presidential candidate Barak Obama noted that parents need to take responsibility in raising their children; the government cannot do everything. The article goes on to highlight the increase in single parent homes and the importance of Obama addressing this issue.

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University Track Star Embraces Fatherhood

By Erik Brady, USA Today

May 13, 2007

BUFFALO, New York---Reggie Rucker is a track star at the University at Buffalo. He is also the single father of a 4 year old little girl. The article covers his challenges of fatherhood, school, and sports. It also emphasizes the importance he places on his role in her life.

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Joy of Fatherhood is Worth the Sacrifices

By Brian Newsome, The Colorado Springs Gazette

April 29, 2007

COLORADO---Newsome writes a delightful article on how his daughter's birth changed his life, priorities, and his definition of fun.

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American Airlines Receives Fatherhood Award

Pegusus News Wire

April 27, 2007

The National Fatherhood Institute has awarded American Airlines with the 2007 award for a father friendly campaign. American Airlines has aired a "Why You Fly" campaign depicting a dad using his frequent flier miles to take his daughter on a business trip with him.

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Boot Camp for New Dads Receives Grant

Press Release

April 13, 2007

IRVINE, Ca---Boot Camp for New Dads (BCND) has received at $15,000 grant from the Annie E. Casey foundation. BCND is provides new dads with hands on education in care of their babies.

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Redefining Fatherhood

By Diane Camper, The Baltimore Sun

April 14, 2007

BALTIMORE, Md---Camper discusses how the Center for Fathers, Families and Workforce Development in Baltimore helps low income men increase their work skills, handle their child support payments, and teach them how to be good fathers.

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He's Not My Grandpa, He's My Dad

By Thomas Vinciguerra, The New York Times

April 12, 2007

The article discusses men who become fathers late in life (typically between age 60-70). It shares how their age impacts their techniques, and their children's lives.

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Boot Camp for New Dads Receives Grant

Press Release

April 13, 2007

IRVINE, Ca---Boot Camp for New Dads (BCND) has received at $15,000 grant from the Annie E. Casey foundation. BCND is provides new dads with hands on education in care of their babies.

Full Story Here...

Redefining Fatherhood

By Diane Camper, The Baltimore Sun

April 14, 2007

BALTIMORE, Md---Camper discusses how the Center for Fathers, Families and Workforce Development in Baltimore helps low income men increase their work skills, handle their child support payments, and teach them how to be good fathers.

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He's Not My Grandpa, He's My Dad

By Thomas Vinciguerra, The New York Times

April 12, 2007

The article discusses men who become fathers late in life (typically between age 60-70). It shares how their age impacts their techniques, and their children's lives.

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NOW Challenges Fatherhood Programs

By Christopher Lee, The Washington Post

March 29 2007

The National Organization of Women is challenging certain grants for fatherhood programs noting they are unconstitutional because they exclude women. Many programs also allow women to join. Program officials counter the challenge by noting that creating better fathers will in turn help women and children.

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Dad's Hold Key To Black Male's Education

By Amy Jeter, The Virginian Pilot

March 23, 2007

VIRGINIA---At the National Council on Educating Black Children, researcher Archie Wortham shared that children perform better in school, had fewer disciplinary problems, and were less likely to drop out when their fathers were involved in their schooling.

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Fatherhood Grants in Indiana

By Lydia X. McCoy, Courier Press

March 23, 2007

INDIANA---The Indiana Youth Institute received $1 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Human Services. The Institute has distributed the money among 5 different organizations seeking to foster stronger connections between fathers and their families.

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From Here to Paternity

By Amanda Miller, The Washington City Paper

March, 2007

WASHINGTON D.C.---The U.S. Department of Health has given $15 million for fatherhood programs in Washington D.C. The city has received so much funding because more than 1/2 of children in D.C. live with a single mother. The article covers Ronald Jones, director of East River Family Strengthening Collaborative. Jones provides fathering classes, finds young men jobs, and asks them to strive to be men their children can be proud of.

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School Helps Guide Dads

By Daniela Altimari, Hartford Courant

March 17, 2007

MIDDLETOWN, CT---Mark Proffitt, Principal of Spencer Elementary School has set up a fatherhood initiative that teaches dads of Spencer students how to be more involved in their children's lives. The school has even seen increased male participation in student activities and on the PTA.