Extension

 

It’s no secret that parenting is a daunting task. Ask any parent and they’re sure to agree that parenthood could be easier with an instruction manual. But in all honesty, would parents have the time to read it?

 

Here’s a news flash – Oklahoma State University Extension has incorporated an instruction manual of sorts to help parents. Through a relatively new program called Strong Dads, this program is an option for those who want to be the best parents ever, said Rob Bodick, OSU Extension Strong Dads program coordinator. Currently, the program is offered in nine counties, including Carter, Creek, Garfield, Kay, Muskogee, Oklahoma, Payne, Rogers and Tulsa.

 

“Strong Dads is a father-forward initiative started by Gov. Kevin Stitt in June 2023,” Bodick said. “Extension educators in each of these counties have been recruiting and facilitating 12-week sessions geared toward increasing the fathers’ involvement in their families by utilizing the 24/7 Dads curriculum published by the National Fatherhood Initiative. Our motto for the course is ‘Strong dads make for strong families; strong families make good communities.’”

 

The overall goal is to increase father involvement by equipping communities and human service organizations with father-engagement training, programs and resources needed to be father-inclusive. If Strong Dads isn’t available locally, dads are encouraged to seek the program in a nearby county.

 

Participants meet for two hours once a week for 12 weeks, share a meal and have discussion-based class. Dads receive research-based information to help them become better dads, as well as incentives such as gift cards and gas cards for participating.

 

Research shows that children who have warm, involved and consistent parenting have a better chance of thriving in life. This holds true for both moms and dads. Unfortunately, sometimes dads may feel they’re not as important as other parents because they don’t spend as much time with kids as the other parent. Also, dads may not feel as valued by society or they don’t feel like they know how to be a good parent.

 

“This is where the Strong Dads program comes in,” Bodick said. “We provide dads with the tools they need to clear the path for successful parenthood, which leads to a lifetime of benefits for the dads and their children.”

 

To date, more than 1,000 dads have graduated from OSU Extension’s Strong Dads program. Bodick said these dads have become more involved, are better communicators and are being more intentional with their children, co-parents and the communities in which they live.

 

“There’s no perfect way to be a parent, but the possibilities are endless to be a good one,” he said.

 

The National Fatherhood Initiative was founded in 1995 and is the nation’s leading provider of research on father presence and father involvement.

 

For more information about OSU Extension’s Strong Dads program, visit the Strong Dads program website, or contact Bodick at (405) 744-6581 or rbodick@okstate.edu.