Teenage Attitudes towards Fatherhood Revealed in New Report

In a released report entitled Teenagers and Attitudes towards Fatherhood" Fathers, Incorporated explores the thoughts and attitudes of todays teenagers.

Albany, NY (PRWEB) June 1, 2005 -- In a released report entitled Teenagers and Attitudes towards Fatherhood" Fathers, Incorporated explores the thoughts and attitudes of todays teenagers.

The report compiled after a series of focus groups with teenagers, takes a look at how teenagers interpret the responsibilities and realities of the role of father. We found that our youths expectations of fathers arent any different today than those that are traditionally held", says Kenneth Braswell, Executive Director of Fathers, Inc. However we did learn that the realities of todays society puts a strain on how teenagers are able to navigate the relationship between them and their fathers."

The reality of todays society is that it is harder to be a teenager than probably ever in our history. They must be smarter, faster, mature more quickly, and handle more stress while maintaining traditional standards," says Braswell. Growing up in simpler times, i.e. less technology, less media, less worldly chaos and less personal consequence, youth of the 1950s -- early 1990s were able to more easily avoid or disguise the effects of certain negative life experiences. In addition, the extended family was much more of a factor than in todays society.

Because of these new stressors" and trends, adults and policy makers, service providers, and educational institutions need to take a more in-depth and comprehensive look at the attitudes of youth regarding parenthood. Policies, services, and support may need to begin to reflect a new attitude of parenting and being parented.

As part of a process of identifying attitudes and opinions, Fathers, Inc. held three focus groups designed to assist in understanding the attitudes of teenagers with regards to fatherhood. This knowledge would be used in designing programs to address those attitudes and opinions in an effort to interrupt the cycle of irresponsible/absentee parenting -- especially as it regards fathers.

In December 2005, Fathers Incorporated will also publish a book of letters entitled "When the Tear Won't Fall." The book will be a compilation of letters from fathers from all walks of life speaking about the intimate struggles of fatherhood. Deadline for submission of letters is June 27th, 2005. Forms can be obtained by visiting the Fathers, Inc website at www.fathersinc.org

Initial feedback on the report:
Fathers Incorporateds Focus Group Report, Teenagers And Attitudes Toward Fatherhood", is a masterfully crafted roadmap that will lead our youth to healing their Father wounds" and resolving self-esteem issues as they make their arduous journey from childhood to adulthood. Through its very comprehensive report, Fathers Incorporated, has identified the causes for the disconnect" that is occurring between the generations and the steps that parents, concerned adults and our institutions must take to resolve it. Fathers Incorporated is urging all of us to examine closely the explicit and implicit messages that we convey to our children about Fatherhood, male-female relationships, sexuality, decision-making, success, failure and the world outside of their immediate environment.

Diane A. Sears, Managing Editor
In Search Of Fatherhood® For And About the Fathers of the World

Ive seen many of these reports, task forces, commissions, mens organizations, crisis committees, conferences on this issue, but your summation is timely and quite enlightening. It also contains excellent analysis, research and reasonable conclusions that do not generalize about men, or youth, as is often the case. I hope that it garners the audience-and action-that it deserves.

Ronald E. Childs
Ronald E. Childs is an award-winning writer, editor, public relations practitioner and photographer whose work frequently appears in Black-interest publications throughout the United States, Africa (Ethiopia), the Caribbean, Brazil and Great Britain. www.theomenonline.com and www.afriquejournal.com.

A preview copy of the report can be obtained by calling (518) 221-5184 or visiting www.fatherins.org Authors of the report Kenneth Braswell and Roxanne Wright can also be reached for interviews by calling (518) 221-5184 or email info@fathersinc.org.

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