With an increase in divorce, unwed parents, and single- family homes, the issue of absentee fatherhood is emerging.  According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 24 million children in America -- one out of three -- live in biological father-absent homes. Almost thirty percent of families in Carter County are single parent families.  According to www.fatherhood.org, having an absent father or father figure plays a role in all social problems that America faces today. Children with active nurturing fathers do better in school, have higher self –esteem, and grow into more successful adults.   The Family and Consumer Sciences Advisory Council requested more programs to encourage positive parenting skills and help nurture families. With the support from the University of Kentucky specialist and the Carter County community leaders, a program for Dads was created to address these concerns.  

“Day Out with Dad” was developed to celebrate fathers and father figures in Carter County in 2013.  The purpose was to encourage fathers to spend more quality time with their children and develop a better understanding of the value their role plays in children’s lives. The program started with nine families and has grown each year. In 2018, over 450 participants came to the program at Grayson Lake.  The free event included fishing, birdhouse building, corn hole, playground play, face painting, nature scavenger hunt, crafts, petting zoo, hands on healthy snacks, door prizes, and lunch.  Each family went home with educational information about the important role of fathers and a book that they were encouraged to read to their children.

  Family and Consumer Sciences Extension normally focuses on educating women, especially for parenting programs.  This program opened doors to invite new clientele who wouldn’t normally receive any type of education.  Clientele included both father figures and children.  Biological fathers, step fathers, foster fathers, uncles, grandfathers, neighbors, great grandfathers, and family friends attended with a child/children. The program also targeted limited resource families by partnering with the Family Resource Centers in all ten Carter County Schools. 

Materials from the National Fatherhood initiative were used for the educational information for the fathers.  The effort included the Family Resource/ Youth Service Centers, local churches, the Carter County School System, and the Drug Free Coalition. 

The program was evaluated informally through conversation and observation.  Participants reported that the program reminded them how valuable their role is as a father and they have a powerful impact on their child’s success in school and life.  Fathers reported they were encouraged to spend more one on one time with their children and do more projects with their children. The local men’s treatment center allowed their participants to help with the setup and cleanup of the event.  One of the volunteers hadn’t been able to spend time with his children in two years because of incarceration or treatment.  The facility directors arranged for his family to come to the event and he had an opportunity to spend the day with his children.  Another grandfather shared that he brought his grandson because his father was incarcerated.  This was the first time the child had ever been fishing and with the help of his grandfather and our volunteers he caught his first fish!

“Day Out with Dad” is one of the most important programs that is offered in our County.  My kids and I look forward to it every year.  Life gets busy and sometimes as a Dad I forget how important my role is and don’t make the time I should with my kids.  It’s nice to have one day set aside just for us.  It reminds me how important it is that I make time to spend quality time with my kids.”- Participant 

The Carter County Fatherhood Initiative continues to meet to discuss these emerging issues and make plans for innovative programs. “A Day out with Dad” opened doors and opened minds to show the people of Carter County that parenting programs are not just for mothers and if the community comes together and shares resources, fathers can be reached, and families can be changed.