Kids Need Dads and Male Role Models!

While Father’s Day is only celebrated once a year, it’s important to continue encouraging the fathers and male role models in the lives of kids from foster care. According to the National Fatherhood Initiative, roughly 8 million or 1 out of 3 children living in the United States are living without a biological father in their home. It’s imperative that men continue to rise to the challenge and be present in the lives of children in the community.

Active involvement from fathers and strong male role models helps promote social and emotional development for children. While boys benefit from the modeling of social and nurturing behaviors, for young girls, healthy self-esteem and identity are enhanced by the acceptance of their fathers. When fathers or trusted male figures praise and are appropriately affectionate with kids from foster care, kids’ self-worth will grow and they’ll learn what appropriate adult male relationships look like.

How Do Men Get Involved?

What can men do to help foster positive development in children from foster care?

• Create more quality time for Foster/Adoptive Dads to build relationships with their kids by helping them with yard work or projects around the house.

• Develop personal relationships with Foster/Adoptive children - a blessing to you as well as to the child! As these children learn to develop trust, having healthy mentors and adults in their lives will help promote their sense of safety and positive goals for the future.

• Establish specific relational activities with each child. Direct events & activities towards the child’s unique personality and interests. Having an activity that is special for the two of you will no doubt be a forever memory.

• Persevere through resistance. Statistically, many children who have been in foster care have not had positive experiences with their fathers. It may be a challenge for a child to adjust to an engaged adult male figure. As our Heavenly Father pursues us despite our rebellion, we ask you to do the same!

• Step in as a father figure for families with single foster and adoptive mothers. This will be an incredible asset for a child who may not have much exposure to godly men. Gain permission from the child’s mother to determine if she would like for you to spend quality time with the child or help with certain projects around the home.