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When Fathers Grow and Focus, Children Thrive
The National Center for Fathering has a warehouse of three plus decades of fresh research, cutting edge tools, practical insights, and provided training for dads and leaders who are impacting millions of children and households. The data is clear, inattentive disconnected fathers who are not fulfilling their role as dads lead to poorer outcomes for children. Contrastingly, fathers who are committed and growing in healthy ways, and then engage in their child’s life, they will crush the “curse of fatherlessness” and its negative effects. Enjoy free access to the wealth of articles, research and blogs we provide, arranged by your situation, your child’s age and common fathering hot topics.
WE HAVE SERVED MORE THAN 7967457 FATHERS OVER THE PAST THREE DECADES
Become a Dad Leader: Encourage Other Dads
As a Certified member you’ll:
- Receive Training on all National Center for Fathering programs
- Be listed on our the NCF website and promoted to others in your region
- Have an opportunity to submit articles to NCF’s website and blogs
- Receive 25 assessment codes to the 7 Secrets of Effective Fathers profiling app to utilize with clients or groups ($1225 value)
- Receive a discount on all assessment tools
What People Say
Meet the Founder Dr. Ken Canfield
Dr. Ken Canfield is a nationally known leader and scholar
who has committed his life to strengthening men, fathers,
families and grandparents. He founded the National Center
for Fathering (www.fathers.com) and the National
Association for Grandparenting, (www.grandkidsmatter.org).
He is a trusted voice and counsel to many non-profits,
community organizations, state and regional efforts which
are strengthening families. He has written both popular and
scientific articles on fathering and is a frequent guest on
programs which promote responsible fathering. In addition,
Canfield has been heard on a daily weekday radio
commentary, Today’s Father, which he began in 1993 and
aired on over 600 stations. He has been interviewed on
The Oprah Winfrey Show, NBC’s Today Show, ABC’s
World News Tonight, Focus, and numerous other radio
and television programs, especially during Father’s Day.
Recent Blogs
Single Dads: Worth Honoring on Father’s Day
by Matt Haviland Did you know that the origins of Father's Day have a connection to single fathers? Sonora Smart Dodd is largely credited with creating Father’s Day. Her father, William Jackson Smart, raised Sonora and her siblings by himself after her mother died in...
The Power of Being a Happy Dad
by Douglas Peake Here’s an early Happy Father’s Day to all the great dads out there! Even more than celebrating what you do, I want to recognize you for who you are. And according to one researcher, one of the most important ways to be a better dad is to cultivate...
25 Ways to Speak Life to Your Daughter
by Michelle Watson Canfield, PhD, LPC Dads, if my previous blog a few weeks ago felt a bit brutal or negative, this one will be more uplifting ... if you will take it to heart and follow through. Using a similar approach as last time—getting straight to the point and...
Home & Away Dads: Work Travel and Staying Connected with Family
Traveling for work continues to be a challenge for many dads in today’s world, and it probably will be indefinitely. Many of our work routines changed drastically during the pandemic, and we learned that working remotely and meeting by video are actually viable...
10 Meaningful Ways to Honor Her This Mother’s Day
by Ryan Debok Quick Summary: Whatever your relationship status with your children’s mother, here are 10 intentional ways to express appreciation to her on or around Mother's Day: Write a Letter – Honest, personal words that name her value. Let Her Sleep In –...
It’s Not About You: Becoming a Dad Changes Everything
There’s a truth all fathers know. Maybe dads-to-be are getting a sense of it, but new dads are bumping up against it every day. Veteran dads definitely know it, but maybe it’s been so long for them that they’ve forgotten. What is it? Fatherhood changes everything....
Dad Words That Wound: What NOT to Say to Your Daughter
by Michelle Watson Canfield, PhD, LPC During the past 15-plus years of working with fathers and daughters, I’ve grown to understand and appreciate where you dads are coming from. What I continue to hear from men is one of two responses: Tell it to me straight with as...
Father, Forgive Them: An Easter Lesson for Every Dad
What do Holy Week and Easter mean to you? Of course, Christian dads will find many life-changing lessons and truths connected with the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. Whether or not you go along with the religious significance of those events, all...
Winning Battles or Hearts? Influencing Your Children’s Character
Dad, do you find yourself “laying down the law” more than you’d like to? Maybe there’s a better approach. Jerry is a partial-custody father who’s going through some big challenges with his 12-year-old daughter, who stole some hair color from a relative and colored her...
The National Center for Fathering Has Worked With Countless States, Cities and Countries Around The World To Help Strengthen Fathers
Our Trainers
Ken R. Canfield, Ph.D.
Dr. Canfield is a nationally known leader and scholar and founded the National Center for Fathering – fathers.com – in 1990. He is the author of twelve books on fathering and family life and has keynoted and presented at dozens of state and community conferences and led hundreds of seminars. Read more…
Dr. George Williams
Dr. Williams is a nationally recognized fathering and family expert. He has testified as an expert fathering witness before a Senate sub-committee, visited the White House to coordinate the First Lady’s visit to his R.E.A.D. to Kids program at a Kansas City elementary school and attended her Helping America’s Youth conference and White House reception. Read more…
Michelle Watson Canfield, Ph.D, LPC
Michelle is founder of The Abba Project, a 9-month group forum that is designed to equip dads to more intentionally and consistently relate to their teen and young-adult daughters. She is author of the book, Dad, Here’s What I Really Need from You: A Guide for Connecting with Your Daughter’s Heart. More coming. . Read more…