The Centre for Fathering
The Centre for Fathering is a non-profit organisation affiliated to the National Center for Fathering in the USA. CFF aims to be a clear voice, championing the role of responsible fatherhood in Singapore by inspiring and equipping young fathers to be more involved in the lives their children.
It publishes "Father's Weekly" - a newsletter which you can receive regularly via email. Email CFF to subscribe to this newsletter or visit the CFF Website.
Following is a recent article from Father's Weekly:
When A Father Makes Time
for His Child
(Father's Weekly,
24 January 2002)
Great things happens when a father makes time for
his child. The word is "bonding". I realise this word is used
increasingly in the press ever since CFF boldly organizes "father-child
bonding" camps. About the best things we have done for fathers is
perhaps organising such camps.
Just last week we held one such adventure camp and I continue to be encouraged
by the response of our participants. This camp has been postponed once
because of heavy rains in December. In order not to dampen the spirit of
the participants, CFF conducted a half-day indoor father-child bonding session
instead of sending them home immediately.
What surprises me was when they came back for the make-up camp last week, one of
the participants told us he was closer to his daughter as a result of the 4
hours in-door session we conducted. That daughter happened to be his middle
child and not as close to him as the other offsprings.
I always look forward to the end of camp. Without exception, we are rewarded by
happy children and fulfilled fathers. There is a great sense of gratitude
for the bonds that were built as a result of the 2 day camp. Some of the
comments from the recent participants were:
"this camp ought to be made compulsory for all fathers in the organisation"
"its a 5 star camp despite the sleeping in tents.."
"this camp is even better than our annual
corporate family events"
As a result of this experience, CFF has designed a 4-hour portable father-child
bonding experiential workshop so that more fathers can benefit from it.
Already one school has reserved a session for 30 pairs of father-child
participants. It will be promoted to more schools soon.
To Think About....
CFF must have done something right with our
father-child bonding sessions. There is a hunger among men to have closer
relationships with their children. We hear it each time we conduct a camp.
But what makes these camps and workshops such a hit for fathers? We were
just recreating what is usually left unattended because of busy work schedules.
In order for relationships to flourish, you just have to make time.
Simply put - what happened at these camps can also happen
at home when fathers make time. These camps has inspired and empowered
fathers to take on an active role and do stuff with children that are fun and
yet full of parent-child relational significance. Care to join us at the
next camp with your child?
Action Pointers For Committed Fathers
1. Children learn a lot through play and
they simply love playing with daddy. So if your only interaction with your
child is academic, can I suggest that you take time to play with your kids this
week?
2. One of the best games I have played with younger kids is Hide-and-Seek
at home. All kids love it! But don't mess up the house or mommy will not
be happy! Better still turn off all the lights when you are playing these
games at night.
3. Bring your child outdoors for some nature exploration. You will
be amazed what your children can learn from a visit to places like Sungei Buloh,
Pulau Ubin, Labrador Park, Bukit Timah Reserve and even Chek Jawa. Birds,
insects and plants can be lots of fun - though not for all kids. For the
ultimate experience in Malaysia - go to Taman Negara.
4. Try taking up canoeing with your child.
5. How about rock climbing with your kids at our bonding camp?
Written by Edwin Choy
Co-founder, CFF
What's Coming Up at CFF
1. CFF will be on the radio show "Parenting
Today" with Susan Ng this Saturday. So tune in to 93.8
at 12 nn to hear us live.
2. "Adventure in Fatherhood" - a
father-child bonding camp designed to help fathers bond with one child (Pr 4 -
Sec 1) at a time, using challenging adventure learning activities Tentative
Schedule: Mar 29 - 30, 2002 (Fri-Sat). Cost: $300 per pair. Residents of South
West CDC will enjoy a subsidy.
3. "Connecting With Your Kids" - a
Fathering Workshop. Schedule: March 9, 2002, Saturday from 9am to 1pm. ($40 per
father). Venue: KK Women and Children's Hospital seminar room 2
(Reproduced with permission)