1. September 8 th, 2012 September 8 th, 2012 : A FAIMH Sponsored Event Pick-Up Basketball Tournament and Afternoon of Activities for Dads and Their Kids Birth to Age 3 “ Fathers are fundamentally important players in the lives of infants and toddlers” Photos from our event

2. Thank you to the SPC College Basketball Team for Spending the day with our DADS and KIDS! Positive Father Involvement leads to: Higher verbal skills Higher scores on standardized tests Increased competence in math (girls) Increased IQ (boys) Excerpts from Dr. James McHale’s presentation Photos from our event

3. “One of the biggest barriers for fathers is their own lack of belief in the value of fathering.” Photos from our event Excerpts from Dr. James McHale’s presentation Dads can learn from their babies and toddlers in many areas, including: Heightened expression of emotion; Expanded ability for caring and nurturance; New understanding of empathy; Delayed gratification of own needs; Expanded sense of self and self confidence; Increased self-scrutiny; Better understanding of sexism and its impact upon children; and Deepened emotions and emotional intensity.

4. Grown-ups can care for themselves. Babies cannot. Positive Father Involvement leads to: More secure attachment A more socially outgoing nature Less gender role stereotyping More generosity and awareness of others’ needs Higher self esteem Less impulsivity Photos from our event Excerpts from Dr. James McHale’s presentation

5. Dads and Why They Matter to their Babies and Young Children Positive father involvement leads to Greater curiosity. Increased exploration of the world around them. Less hesitancy or fear in new situations. Greater tolerance for stress and frustration. More willingness to try new things. Photos from our event Excerpts from Dr. James McHale’s presentation

6. GET IN THE GAME STAY IN THE GAME Every child needs their Dad in the game with them….. Photos from our event

7. STAY TUNED…….. FOR MORE EXCITING EVENTS, INFORMATION, EDUCATION AND GUIDANCE FROM YOUR LOCAL FAIMH CHAPTER LOCAL FAIMH CHAPTER! (Florida Association of Infant Mental Health)