3rd annual forum promotes and supports father-child relationships

MONTROSE — Aidan’s father Jerry Paider collected pebbles and poured them into a pile at the end of a plastic slide as his 18-month-old child watched and mimicked his moves.

This basic parent-child play is just a small part of a relationship research suggests is integral to Aidan’s success in life. “I wouldn’t trade this for the world,” Paider said of his son.

Promoting and supporting these father-child relationships is what the 2008 Fatherhood Forum, presented by Men in the Mix, is all about, said James Martinez, Head Start technical assistance specialist. He said studies are showing how important relationships with fathers or male-role models are to a child’s success in life and school.

“There’s a movement in this country, because of the recognition that children need fathers, in which

many organizations are promoting and supporting fathers becoming more involved in the lives of their children,” Martinez said.

An estimated 50 percent divorce rate in the nation has led to many broken homes in which fathers become absent in their children’s lives, he said. Studies have shown that without relationships with their fathers, children tend to have more social-emotional difficulties and, in general, are more at risk in their lives, he said.

Dozens of men took to the Olathe Sweet Corn Festival Park Saturday to enjoy the afternoon with their children.

“Just came to hang with dad day,” said Toby Steggs, of Grand Junction, as he pushed 4-year-old Ella on the swing set.

Isidro Vazquez, of Montrose, and 2-year-old son Adrian also enjoyed shade together underneath a tree.

The day was packed full of activities geared toward helping children learn and develop their skills. “We’re trying to teach dad to be better dads,” said Cynthia Harwood, Empowering Dads fatherhood coach for Montrose County, “The activities are not just about fun but learning.”

Beneath the fun activities children are also learning skills and child development outcomes, said Martinez. The balloon toss, for example, helps develop a child’s motor skills, focus, teamwork, anticipation and balance. With chalk drawing, kids exercise creativity and also foster their hand-eye coordination.

Montrose County’s Empowering Dads program works with all fathers in the county. The program specifically targets fathers who want coaching and education to improve parenting and relationship skills. For information, call (970) 252-5000.

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Fatherhood Facts & Figures

• An estimated 24.7 million children (36.3%) live absent their biological father.

(Source: National Fatherhood Initiative, Father Facts, (3rd Ed.): 5)

• 63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes.

(Source: US Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Census)

• 90% of all homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes.

(Source: US Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Census)

• 85% of all children that exhibit behavioral disorders come from fatherless homes.

(Source: Center for Disease Control)