Fathers make a unique and invaluable contribution to the well-being of children. A father´s interaction with his children promotes healthy physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual development. Most fathers want to be the best father that they can be. But all too often, men grow up without a healthy role model of a father. Consequently, many fathers have the desire, but not the knowledge or skills, to be a great dad.

24/7 Dad™ is a unique, comprehensive fatherhood program developed by a team of nationally and internationally recognized fathering and parenting experts and with input from fatherhood practitioners. It consists of 12 two-hour sessions in a small group setting. At the end of each program, fathers and mothers come together to discuss the developments the father has gone through and how it has affected their relationship and family life.

The 24/7 Dad™ program is made available in Schuylkill County through the 24/7 Dad Collaborative of Schuylkill County. The collaborative is an effort of Care Net of Schuylkill County, Catholic Charities Diocese of Allentown, Child Development, Inc., Clinical Outcomes Group, Inc., Nurse Family Partnership, Schuylkill County Children & Youth and the Sexual Assault Resource and Counseling Center of Schuylkill County. These organizations are working cooperatively to provide this program well below cost to any member of the public that wishes to participate.

24/7 Dad™ focuses on five characteristics that a father needs to be a great dad 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It covers universal aspects of fatherhood so that men of all cultures, races, religions, and backgrounds can benefit from the program.

When a father completes 24/7 Dad™, he becomes a 24/7 Dad who:
• Is aware of himself as a man and aware of the significant impact he has in his family. He is in touch with his moods and feelings/emotions, his capabilities, his strengths, and his limitations.
• Is a man who takes care of himself. He gets annual physicals, eats the proper foods, exercises to stay in shape, has a strong spiritual connection with his community, and chooses friends who reinforce his healthy choices.
• Is very aware of the significant role he has in the family. He is a positive role model. He capitalizes on his knowledge of the unique contributions (e.g., skills) he brings and that his wife/the mother of his children brings to raising his children (i.e., the difference between "fathering" and "mothering").
• Is a nurturing parent who clearly understands and accepts the importance his parenting skills have in developing the physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual and creative needs of his children.
• Works to build and maintain healthy and supportive relationships with his children, wife, family, friends, and community.

This 12-week class will explore topics crucial to healthy parenting, including:
• Family of Origin
• Masculinity
• Understanding Yourself
• Handling and Expressing Emotions
• Spirituality
• Physical and Mental Health
• Fathering and Family Roles
• Fathering and Culture
• Discipline, Rewards and Punishment
• Expectations and Children´s Development
• Balancing Work and Family
• Getting Involved with your Children

For more information or to register a client for the next session of classes, call 1-800-264-1290