What's New?
The Family Action Centre news room
2012
April 16
Engaging fathers in ECEC and children's lives
The most recent issue of th Hunter Institute of Mental Health's Foundations magazine for people in children's services discusses fathers' engagement with their children in ECEC services. The report writte by Jannelle Gallagherm, Director, Kurri Kurri & District Preschool Kindergarten and Dr Richard Fletcher, Senior Lecturer, The Family Action Centre. Read about what the issues are and how to implement change here
2011
May 19
Published article | ABCD in the Defence Community Organisation
An article has been published in the May 2011 edition of AI Practitioner - a special issue focusing on innovation and strengths-based change in Australia and New Zealand. Great job Dee and Graeme
March 11
Book Launch | The Dad Factor - How father-baby bonding helps a child for life
Richard Fletcher from the Father and Families Research Program at the Family Action Centre has recently launched his book "The Dad Factor." If you are interested in buying a copy below is a link to the order form.
Order now - download order form
February 17
Radio Interview | New Lambton toy library a hit with kids.
The New Lambton toy library is one of many libraries in the Hunter region.
Mel Burgess is a volunteer and regular user at the New Lambton library.
Her two children look forward to getting something different every time they go there and don't mind swapping their toys for something new each week.
Check with your local library or council to see if there's a toy library or a mobile toy library close to you.
Listen to the radio interview here http://www.abc.net.au/local/audio/2011/02/17/3141236.htm?site=newcastle
February 15
Media Coverage | Research into Grandfathers
Research into grandfathers' role in family life is creating a lot of interest among families in the Hunter. If you are interested in taking part, please call Dr Jennifer StGeorge on 4921 6690
Read more about the story http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/grandfathers-lending-a-hand/2075633.aspx
February 11
New Research Project | Fathers physical play and children’s development
A new project by the Fathers and Families Research program is studying how a bit of ‘rough and tumble’ with dad can benefit a child’s early development.
Chief researcher Dr Richard Fletcher, said the research would investigate how physical games contributed to the mental and physical progress of young children.
“We know that fathers often play tickling or wrestling games with their pre-school children and we know that children enjoy these vigorous and physical activities. What we don’t know is if these activities have an impact on how children learn to manage their emotions and their physical energy.”
“This research will tell us if father-child physical play affects children’s development, both physically and mentally.”
The research team is recruiting men and their four-year-old children to participate in the pilot study. As part of the project, researchers will visit the home of participants to video the father and child at play. Participation will involve one session for up to one hour. Researchers will also play simple learning games with the child to measure various skill-levels and behaviours.
Fathers interested in participating in this research with their children should telephone Dr Richard Fletcher on 02 4921 6401 or 0401 855 678. Children must be four-years-old to participate in the study.
See media coverage of the project
http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/serious-side-to-playing-with-dad/2049619.aspx
