Dads share heartwarming stories of “parenting firsts,” as active and present parents
New ”Dadication” Public Service Announcements Celebrate Fatherhood
Dads share heartwarming stories of “parenting firsts,” as active and present parents
A new series of public service announcements (PSAs) aimed to celebrate and support fatherhood have been released in a collaborative effort by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse and the Ad Council. These latest PSAs showcase, encourage and celebrate young fathers overcoming everyday parenting challenges to be active and present in their children's lives.
Three young fathers are featured and each highlight some of their "fatherhood firsts" in intimate interviews. Each father comes from a different background, and their stories capture the full range of emotions new fathers may experience — from anxiety to joy and purpose. The stories demonstrate that a father’s presence is more important than being a perfect parent. Much like their own children, young dads — like those featured in these new spots — face an unfamiliar world themselves. But just as children grow and learn, so do their fathers.
Studies have shown involved fathers provide important support in raising children and serve as models for their development. Children with involved, loving fathers are significantly more likely to do well in school, have healthy self-esteem, exhibit empathy and pro-social behavior compared to children who have uninvolved fathers. Additionally, more engaged fathers—whether living with or apart from their children, can help foster a child's healthy physical, emotional, and social development.
“As a father, I know the challenges and rewards of being a new dad are immense. The national fatherhood media campaign reminds us that life is full of firsts — especially for new fathers,” said ACF Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Jeff Hild. “Fathers make a difference in the lives of their children by being positively and actively involved.”
“Fathers provide essential investment in the health and emotional well-being of their children,” said the director of ACF’s Office of Family Assistance, Ann Flagg. “This new series of the national fatherhood media campaign highlights fathers representative of all American families, including young dads who rise to the challenge and love their children through every ’first,’ whether it’s the kid’s ’first’ or the father’s ’first.’”
The new videos will appear in donated time and space nationwide across broadcast and online video, radio, print and out-of-home assets. All PSA materials drive audiences to Fatherhood.gov to find tips and resources for dads.
Watch the PSAs:
Alex 60: https://www.fatherhood.gov/research-and-resources/dadication-alex-60
Jose 60: https://www.fatherhood.gov/research-and-resources/dadication-jose-60
Sammy 60: https://www.fatherhood.gov/research-and-resources/dadication-sammy-60
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Quick Facts
- These latest PSAs showcase, encourage and celebrate young fathers overcoming everyday parenting challenges to be active and present in their children's lives.
- The stories demonstrate that a father’s presence is more important than being a perfect parent.
- Children with involved, loving fathers are significantly more likely to do well in school, have healthy self-esteem, exhibit empathy and pro-social behavior compared to children who have uninvolved fathers.
Quotes
“As a father, I know the challenges and rewards of being a new dad are immense. The national fatherhood media campaign reminds us that life is full of firsts – especially for new fathers. Fathers make a difference in the lives of their children by being positively and actively involved.”— ACF Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Jeff Hild
“Fathers provide essential investment in the health and emotional well-being of their children,” said the . “This new series of the national fatherhood media campaign highlights fathers representative of all American families, including young dads who rise to the challenge and love their children through every ‘first,’ whether it’s the kid’s ‘first’ or the father’s ‘first.’”— Ann Flagg, director of ACF’s Office of Family Assistance,
Additional Links
Contact
Administration for Children & Families
Office of Communications
330 C Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20201
Phone: (202) 401-9215
Fax: (202) 205-9688
Email: media@acf.hhs.gov