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| | SECURING THE HOME FRONT: A
FATHER'S ROLE
Millions of dads are asking themselves what they can do in light of the
September 11, 2001 tragedy.
Here are four things that any father can do to "secure the home
front" and to protect his children.
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He must take great care to respect and support the
mother of his children. A secure marriage creates a secure environment for
his children. If he is a non-custodial father, it is critical that he
maintain a supportive relationship with his children's mother.
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He needs to make an extra effort to spend time
with his children. Children don't schedule time to discuss their fears and
anxieties. A father needs to be available when his children are ready to
talk.
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He needs to model an appropriate response to the
September 11 events. Dads need to be proactive and use this crisis as an
opportunity to talk about difficult issues like discrimination, the
appropriate use of military force, and the difference between seeking
revenge and seeking justice.
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He needs to go to great lengths to continue to
show affection to his children. In times like these, children need the
security that comes with knowing that they are wanted, accepted, and loved
by their fathers.
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Excerpted from "Securing the Home Front: A father's
role," an article written for fathers by Roland Warren, president of the
National Fatherhood Initiative. It appeared in the November/December 2001 issue
of "Our Children" magazine. To read the entire article, visit http://www.pta.org/cfplus/OurChildren/features3.asp
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