Why Dads Matter & What Moms Can Do to Help Dads Succeed

In This Episode:In the early months of a child’s life many dads struggle to find their role in caring for the baby and supporting mom through those exhausting days and nights. And sometimes we moms send messages, subtle and not-so-subtle, that dad just can’t measure up to our standards of care. In the long run, everyone will win (mom, dad, child) if dad is fully engaged as a caregiver. Andre Dukes, Vice President of Family and Community Impact (formerly Family Academy Director) for the Northside Achievement Zone in Minneapolis, joins Marti & Erin to discuss why dads matter in child development, the benefits of father involvement throughout a child’s life and what we all can do to help men be the dads their children need. WHY DO DADS MATTER?In what ways is the father of your children involved in their daily lives? How is that the same as or different than how your fathers were involved when you two were young? Based on what you heard on the role of father in child development in this Mom Enough show, how could you help your children’s father become even more comfortable and confident as a dad?

Om Podcasten

Dr. Marti Erickson, developmental psychologist and her daughter Dr. Erin Erickson, women’s health nurse practitioner and specialist in maternal-child health, are co-hosts of Mom Enough®. They explore the many facets of motherhood in today’s world – from confronting the daily joys and struggles of helping kids grow up well, to balancing work and family, to considering the big questions of how society views and values mothers and mothering. Marti & Erin use research-based information and a few personal confessions as they and their guests discuss what it means to be "mom enough." As moms, most of us worry at times about whether we're doing things right, second-guessing our parenting approach and blaming ourselves if our children stray or fall short. We worry that we might not be "mom enough". But what does it really mean to be "mom enough"? And is it possible to be "mom too much," to the extent that our kids might not have a chance to build their own skills to navigate life's ups and downs? A new, free audio show is posted every Monday with expert guests who address topics related to children’s heath, development and learning. Listen to Mom Enough at www.MomEnough.com. Informational sheets on parenting, health & wellness, child development and safety are available under Resources on our web site.