Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids (HDHK) is a highly effective, enjoyable 9-session father-child programme focused on obesity prevention, for schools and other settings.
Developed in Australia, the Fatherhood Institute is now offering HDHK in the UK via a 'train-the-trainer' model.
HDHK engages dads in positive lifestyle modelling and effective parenting strategies, to improve their own, and their children's, physical activity and dietary behaviours. As well as being great fun, it has been shown to improve children’s’ BMI scores, dietary behaviours, and educational and social outcomes. Read the full story »
FI research »
The problem
23% of 3-year-olds are overweight or obese (Hawkins et al, 2009), rising to one third of 11-13 year olds, one in six of whom have high blood pressure, and one in ten, high cholesterol (Brophy et al, 2012)
The Father Factor – the early years
95% of parents are in a couple relationship or describe themselves as ‘good friends’ at the time of the birth (Kiernan & Smith, 2003)
Fathers have substantial impact on pregnant women’s nutrition (Clift-Matthews, 2009)
Fathers gain weight during pregnancy, mainly due to lifestyle factors (Onepoll, 2009)
Fathers have substantial impact on whether babies are breastfed, and breastfed babies are less likely to be obese later (Armstrong et al, 2002)
Toddlers’ activity levels are linked with their father’s (but not their mother’s) BMI (Sallis et al, 1988).
News »
We are offering FREE places at a seminar, ‘A FATHER-INCLUSIVE APPROACH TO SUPPORTING COUPLE RELATIONSHIPS AND CO-PARENTING’, to be held on 13 March at The Priory Rooms in Birmingham.
Blog »
Jeremy Davies writes:
This morning we were contacted by a radio journalist who wanted us to comment on a study suggesting that, and I quote, “it might be best for dads not to be present at the birth of their children”.
External (non-FI) research »
Men in low and middle income countries are generally positive about gender equality – but their participation in household and caregiving tasks remains low, and levels of intimate partner violence are still high, according to a study published in the Men and Masculinities journal.
Blog »
Jeremy Davies writes:
Advertising is all around us – it is shaped by, and helps shape, our culture.
A lot of the time, advertisers portray dads as ham-fisted, lazy or goon-like, overseen by mums who are all-knowing – the magical glue that holds families together.
External (non-FI) research, News »
What was it like being with your partner in the first few hours of her labour?
Fathers are often the main support for women during the first hours of labour when they are typically advised to stay at home.
Blog, Practice »
Dr Mark Osborn writes:
As our European safeguarding project begins to draw towards its close, the results from the different countries are being pulled together.
Blog »
Jeremy Davies writes:
Nick Clegg has been making headlines in recent months as a stalwart advocate of parents sharing the responsibility for hands-on caring.
Become a Friend of the FI
Become a Friend of the Fatherhood Institute by donating £20 per month or more by direct debit - and get free entry to our Annual Fatherhood Lecture (starting January 2015)
Fatherhood World
- Dad’s spirit warms us in our comfort blankets January 24, 2015
- Son photo fuels father’s weight bid January 24, 2015
- Boy, 2, Shoots Himself With Father’s Gun January 22, 2015
- Toyota Camry to celebrate father… January 22, 2015
- Two-year-old boy kills himself with father’s gun January 22, 2015
- Two-year-old boy kills himself with father’s gun January 22, 2015