Aboriginal - being a dad

Aboriginal; indigenous; dads; special; time; playing; protected; abuse; violence; neglect; good; example;

The most important gift that you can give to your children is your love. This means getting to know them and being involved in their lives so they get to know you and feel safe and secure.
	When fathers are involved in the care of their babies it builds special bonds that are important to children.
	If there are differing views between a caring mother and father, there is not one right way and one wrong way, but two different ways.
	How you act when you are with your children teaches them how to act when they grow up.
	Share your ideas about raising children with your children's mother if possible. Listen to her ideas.
	Fathers can show their sons how to grow up to be loving, and caring and able to get on well with others.
	Girls and boys both need time with their fathers.
	Show your children that men can be gentle in a tough world.
	Even if you don't see your children a lot, you can still build happy memories in the time you have with them.
	Children need love - love to children means time and attention.
Here are some things to think about:
	How would you like your child to describe you when he or she is grown up?
	What special memories which include you, would you like your children to have of growing up?
There is more in the topic 'Being a dad'.
The information in this topic was developed by Child and Youth Health with help from: - Aboriginal families and women from a number of   Aboriginal-focused Playgroups - Young Mum's groups in Adelaide - Aboriginal staff from CYH - Pika Wiya Health Service - Aboriginal Health Council - Aboriginal Health Worker Forum
Acknowledgement: - Background image, copyright with permission, R Taylor.
With thanks to: - Waltja Tjutangku Palyapayi Aboriginal Corporation whose work   'Pipirri Palya - kids are good' guided us.

The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Parent Helpline on 1300 364 100 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).

This topic may use 'he' and 'she' in turn - please change to suit your child's sex.