What does it mean to be a dad in 2018? Modern economic and social trends have lessened the importance of gender in parenting, rewriting roles and responsibilities for caregivers.
Although men are more involved in child care than fathers of 50 years ago, 63 percent of dads surveyed by the Pew Research Center say they spend "too little time" with their kids.
There are different ways take on fatherhood and many men are changing what it means to be a dad. By assuming more active roles, stay-at-home dads and single fathers challenge traditional stereotypes surrounding marriage, routine and employment.
According to the American Psychological Association, a "modern-day father" can provide for children in key ways. From giving emotional and financial support to enforcing an appropriate amount of discipline, dads can have a positive influence over time by being a consistent, loving parent.
For absent and distant dads – or people who do not have positive life experiences with father figures – what are the long-term effects and is there room for healing?
What does it mean to be a “good dad”? Where can San Antonio fathers learn basic parenting skills and how to be a positive influence in their kid’s life?
Guests:
- James H. Bray, Ph.D., professor and department chair for the Department of Psychology at UTSA
- Martin Henderson, executive director of Fatherhood Matters, Inc.
- Greg Marshall, program manager for the San Antonio Fatherhood Campaign
The Source" is a live call-in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. During the live show, call 210-614-8980, email thesource@tpr.org or tweet at @TPRSource. Leave a voicemail with your questions and comments in advance by calling 210-615-8982.