Article Link: http://stage.exchangepress.com/article/creating-a-father-friendly-environment/5015558/
Expect men to be involved. As with so many things in life, you get what you expect: you won’t get males involved unless you expect them to be involved. We convey our expectations in many ways �" in what we say to parents and staff, in the notes we send (or don’t send) home, even in our body language.Here are some suggestions for getting across the message that you expect males to participate in your program:
• Sign men up, too. Make sure your enrollment form asks for the name, address, and phone number of the father �" and of any other significant male in the child’s life. It’s amazing how many good programs overlook this obvious step.
• Get out your message. Once you have dad’s address, use it. Send announcements of all program events to both parents, if they are not living in the same home. It’s worth the postage.
• Say it loud. Make clear on all announcements that children’s fathers and significant men in their lives are welcome at your program. If mom and dad are both in the home, don’t just address the letter to her; address it to him too.
• Say it often. Your message about male involvement won’t be convincing if ...