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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – When people think of Father’s Day’s presents they usually think of ties. But the greatest Father’s Day presents are the ties that bind. Too many of America’s children are growing up without a father, including many who need one most. Some 65 percent of children in the child welfare system did not have a birth father in their corner when they entered foster care. To help change that situation, the Fatherhood Initiative, a program of American Humane Association, works year-round to reconnect fathers and extended kin to children. Here are 10 simple tips we’ve put together to keep the ties to your own children strong and healthy on Father’s Day – and every day:
Hold your children close to make them feel loved and secure. Even teenagers need to be hugged, though they often protest.
Set consistent rules for conduct and stick to them.
Read to your kids, especially when they are toddlers and youngsters. Share outings to the library and let children select books that prompt their imagination and interests.
Tell your children you love them and that they’re special to you.
Encourage and support your children’s interests and schoolwork; check homework and visit your child’s classroom.
Tell your children stories about when you were little. Let them know about what you would do differently (if you were to get a do-over) and things you did right.
Play with your children, inside and outside the house. If you’re not the athletic type, quiet games such as Go Fish! or checkers can be as much fun as playing ball. Sign kids up for teams and attend their team games.
Eat together! Sharing conversation over a meal is one of the best ways to bond and learn about what is going on in your children’s lives.
Talk with your teenager about appropriate behavior regarding sex, drugs, and alcohol. Be sure to talk about these subjects more than once to make your views clear.
If your children’s schedules don’t fit yours, still try to find time each day to spend with them. They will appreciate knowing that they are important enough for you to be making the effort to be together.
The most important gifts you can give to your child are love and time with you. So this year for Father’s Day, in addition to giving thanks for a tie that you may wear for a year or two, be sure to give your kids the gift of the ties that bind for a lifetime. Your children will thank you and your family life will be immeasurably enriched.
To learn more about American Humane Association’s Fatherhood Initiative, go to http://www.americanhumane.org/children/programs/fatherhood-initiative/
About American Humane Association
Since 1877 the historic American Humane Association has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in protecting children, pets and farm animals from abuse and neglect. Today we’re also leading the way in understanding human-animal interaction and its role in society. As the nation’s voice for the protection of children and animals, American Humane Association reaches millions of people every day through groundbreaking research, education, training and services that span a wide network of organizations, agencies and businesses. You can help make a difference, too. Visit American Humane Association at www.americanhumane.org today.
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