“HIT THE GROUND CRAWLING”

BOOT CAMP FOR NEW DADS Bringing Out the Best in New Fathers Dad’s Issues New Moms New Babies Forming Families Communication Team Work Long Work Hours Safety Many More

Six of Every Ten Children in this Neighborhood Live Without a Dad. Five Points/Whittier Neighborhood Denver BCND Program

Outputs/Outcomes Of 310 identified dads, 172 have participated in a Boot Camp Workshop. 72 continue to participate in on- going groups for new dads. Denver BCND Program

Outputs/Outcomes Documented increases in: participation in birth attendance at prenatal Dr. visits Knowledge of infant development, child abuse prevention, infant care, strategies for dealing with crying, supportive behavior regarding the new mom Denver BCND Program

Boot Camp For New Dads A Strategy For Fatherhood A veteran dad’s brothers, cousins, friends, and co- workers will learn from his example A veteran dad’s son will learn from his example We can break the cycle of fatherlessness Preparing Men To Be Fathers Is Perhaps The Single Most Promising Step We Can Take On Behalf Of Our Children Today and Tomorrow

“THE BIRTH IS A MAGICAL MOMENT” Sara McLanahan, PhD Princeton Center For Research On Child Wellbeing RESEARCH ON NEW FATHERS

KEY FINDINGS - NEW FATHERS Vast Majority Committed At Birth Support Should Be Offered Early (Hospital) Dads Are Motivated & Receptive To Support Birth Is A Magical Moment

MYTHS ABOUT UNMARRIED FATHERS 1. Births Products Of Casual Relationships (82% Romantically Involved) 2. Fathers Don’t Care About Their Children (99.8% Want To Be Involved) 3. Fathers Are Dangerous & Mothers Don’t Want Them Around (93% of Moms Want Dad Involved)

ASSUME THEY WANT TO CARE FOR THEIR CHILD (How Is Your Baby Doing?) ENCOURAGE HANDS ON INVOLVEMENT (Help him change diaper, hold and feed, swaddle) DESCRIBE BABY’S FEATURES (Alert, beautiful, dark hair like yours, your ears) ENCOURAGE SUPPORT OF MOM (How Is mom doing?, New moms can be tough on dad) ENCOURAGE AND COMPLIMENT (Nice baby, good job, you are a natural, she likes you) BEST PRACTICES RE: NEW FATHERS

ENCOURAGE MOM’S SUPPORT OF DAD (Tell me about his/her father) FATHERS WANT TO DO RIGHT BY THEIR CHILDREN Children With Good Dads Thrive Men Want To Be Good Dads Fathers Thrive With Encouragement From Mom NEW MOMS CAN BE VERY TOUGH ON NEW DADS Fathers Lag Behind Moms In Focus On Baby Moms Often Control Dads Access To Baby Dads Are Mom’s Target For Frustrations SUPPORTING EACH OTHER IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS Teamwork Is Essential In Forming Families Tough Transition For Both Mom & Dad Need To Make Relationship A Priority