Fathers And Children Engage (FACE)

Fathers Forum

noreply@blogger.com (A father.) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 20:35:00 +0000

Throughout 2012 the Fathers forum takes place at Oak house in Skelmersdale 7.30 till 9.30pm on the first Thursday of each month.

New Service starting in June 2011

noreply@blogger.com (A father.) — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 20:59:00 +0000

Support For Dads

Father and Child is now offering support to dads when their relationship breaks down or the have involvement with any agency such as Social services.

If this sounds like you Check out the website.

www.fathersandchildrenengage.co.uk

Come on Dads, We really do Matter!!!

noreply@blogger.com (A father.) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:19:00 +0000

Dads really do matter to their children, all that we need to do is just invest in them by offering love,support,time and attention.

Do you know that we meet on the first Wednesday in the month 7-8.30pm at the Engine rooms old Skelmersdale.

We can offer support in all aspects of Parenting from pre-birth to teens.

Take a chance and get involved, you never know you just might enjoy it, make new friends and be a part in this excellent support network for Dads, Stepdads and male carers.

www.fathersnadchildrenengage.co.uk

Meeting on the 29th May 2008 at Park Childrens Centre

noreply@blogger.com (A father.) — Fri, 09 May 2008 15:22:00 +0000

Calling all Dads and male carers.

There is a meeting taken place on the 29th May 2008 at Park childrens centre old Skelmersdale between 5 -6.30pm. I know its difficult to attend when dads are just finishing work, however if possible try to attend because we need your suggestions, feedback and support in finding out what servics men want from their local childrens centre.

I have ideas around what I think we should offer but feel we would benefit from consulting dads and male carers.

If you cannot attend please e-mail markgrimes@fathersandchildrenengage.co.uk I welcome all suggestions and comments

Baby development

noreply@blogger.com (A father.) — Fri, 02 May 2008 12:29:00 +0000

Encouraging your baby's development
Making steps towards development
During your baby's first few years, they'll learn faster than at any other time in their life. Whether it's mastering that first little smile, taking their first tiny steps, or scribbling their first colourful picture, every new skill contributes to their all round development as they become their own little person.

Your baby is unique
Every baby is different and will learn at their own pace. So if a friend's child is already running around the house while yours has only just pulled themselves up to a wobbly upright, don't worry. It doesn't mean your baby is less intelligent or won't be as bright later on. They're just doing it their own way. However, if you're ever concerned that your baby is having difficulty in a particular area or doesn't seem to be responding to your efforts, speak to your GP or health visitor.

Learning from play
Games are a wonderful way for a baby to learn and for you to get to know each other. Even the simplest early copycat games such as taking turns to poke your tongues out at each other teaches various skills - including social interaction, fine motor skills (the ability to use small muscles), and cognitive development (learning and solving problems, in this case working out how to imitate what you're doing).

During the early stages, you'll be the one providing them with the stimulus and the demonstration they need. But as time goes on, your baby will invent games of their own to practice and explore their new skills. Both forms of play, structured and child-led, are important for their development so it's good to aim for a balance between the two.

Opening eyes and broadening minds
As your baby becomes a little older, games take on a whole new lease of life. Better coordination combined with an incredible imagination open up a whole new world of fun and play.

Here are a few suggestions of how you can help your baby discover and practice new skills while having a wonderful time!

A shape sorter - a great way to stimulate the puzzle solving instinct and teach them the mathematical basics of shape and size

Building blocks – as well as creating towers to topple, they can become literally any object in your child's eyes, great for creative play

Obstacle courses – adapted to their growing ability to crawl, walk and run, a fun obstacle course can give them lots of practice in coordination and puzzle solving

Storytime – don't be afraid to read them stories with some more advanced words than they're used to. They understand more than they can say!

Ball games – all kinds of skills can be learned from ball play. Try rolling balls around the floor, into holes, down slides, playing catch, balancing them on a spoon etc.

It's good to talk
Your baby starts recognising sounds and learning how to form them a long time before they utter that first 'mama' or 'dada'. Talking to your baby from day one provides a source of comfort as well as laying the foundations for their speech development. By taking turns to speak between their gurgles and giggles, you are helping them understand the two-way aspect of conversation, while letting them know that you're listening too.

Babies and toddlers understand more words than they're able to communicate. So don't be afraid to read them stories with words they haven't yet learned to say themselves. Learning songs together, or singing to your baby if they're not at a stage where they can join in, is a wonderful way to broaden their vocabulary and comprehension of words. And of course, it's lots of fun!

Many parents are discovering the power and effectiveness of signing with their child. This involves teaching them actions or movements for a certain words, such as food, where, more, or happy. For example, a sign for food or hunger could be putting the fingers to the mouth. Every time you mention food, or give them some food, do the sign yourself and repeat the word too. By doing this over and over again, your baby or toddler will soon pick up the meaning and before long will be able to do it themselves when they're hungry.

Baby on the move
As you notice your baby becoming stronger, you can encourage them to crawl by placing objects slightly out of reach, or sitting in front of them and beckoning them towards you. Once they've started becoming a bit more mobile, try setting up a mini soft obstacle course, with a few cushions or pillows for them to navigate. As well as providing lots of fun and giggles, it will help to develop their gross motor skills (their ability to use and coordinate larger muscle groups).

Very soon they'll be pulling themselves up to their feet and attempting to balance. Of course, some babies skip the hands and knees part and go straight to standing instead. It doesn't matter how they do it, just as long as you encourage them at every stage and give them a safe environment in which to get on their feet.

Babies get treatment for alcohol

noreply@blogger.com (A father.) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 17:58:00 +0000

Infants under the age of one in Scotland have been admitted to hospital with alcohol-related illness

Figures revealed under freedom of information legislation showed there were 165 under-16s admitted in the past three years with such problems.

Among those treated were two babies and a one-year-old, born to mothers with existing drink problems.

The figures showed the largest proportion affected were aged 13, with a total of 59.

'Greatest concern'

Doctors treated two 10-year-olds, 15 children aged 12, 32 aged 14, 37 aged 15, and 17 who were 16.

In addition, NHS Grampian also treated 23 infants under one with neo-natal abstinence syndrome (NAS), problems a baby experiences when withdrawing from exposure to certain substances.

Is drinking affecting more than we think?

Comments Please

Safety urged for children using the internet.

noreply@blogger.com (A father.) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 19:17:00 +0000

Children's organisations around the world are urging technology companies to make the internet safer

'Tragic instances'
Campaigners say the industry needs to protect children the same way it looks after other users of the internet.

They are asking for further research to make the internet safer, and for funding for a global education programme.

We continue to read of tragic instances of children being abused by sexual predators where the internet played a key part in facilitating the initial contact that led to the abuse.

Dads do you think children should use the internet under adult supervision, or be left alone when using messaging services?

Comments please

Visitors using the blogg and new web site

noreply@blogger.com (A father.) — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 09:38:00 +0000

www.fathersandchildrenengage.co.uk

Dear visitor please leave us your comments about this blogg?

Do you find it usefull?

Is it worth offering support to Males in regard to parenting?

What would you like to see on the blogg/website?

e-mail us at face2008@hotmail.co.uk

Please use the link to view the website

Thanks

New web site

noreply@blogger.com (A father.) — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 10:02:00 +0000

Hi Dads please look at our new web site .

If you have any suggestions on how to improve it lets us know at
face2008@hotmail.co.uk

www.fathersandchildrenengage.co.uk

Stabbing in schools

noreply@blogger.com (A father.) — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 09:58:00 +0000

There appears to be more stabbings in schools now than at any other time. Do parents need to take more responsibility over their children and search them daily, or do we leave it to schools to check.

If we leave it to the schools do we support them or feel it is a step to far?

Do we feel that young people who carry weapons should be charged by the Police?

Comments Please

Involving boys and men in creating a reading culture

noreply@blogger.com (A father.) — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 20:26:00 +0000

Reading Champion Dads

Adult role models are essential for delivering the reading for pleasure and purpose message to their children. If children don't see dads reading or hear them talking about their favourite books, then they're not receiving any messages about reading being relevant to their lives.

If you fancy being a reading champion contact Face2008@hotmail.co.uk or join us at Park childrens centre old Skelmersdale monday nights 5-6.30

Paying for Childcare!

noreply@blogger.com (A father.) — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 20:22:00 +0000

Help with costs.

High-quality childcare costs money, but there are a number of ways you can get help with the expense, or maybe even offered a free place. The important thing is to be as well-informed as possible.

Help with children aged three or four

What's on offer
All young children aged three and four in England are entitled to a free part-time early education place. This can be in a variety of settings, as long as it's registered by Government regulatory bodies and inspected regularly.

Type of care
The minimum requirement of a part-time place is five two-and-a-half hour sessions every week over 38 weeks (usually divided into 11-week terms). Each session is usually either in the morning or afternoon. These can be taken to suit your and your child's requirements; for example, two sessions a day for two days and one afternoon. You can't take more than two sessions in one day, however.

Eligibility
Your three-year-old or four-year-old is entitled to three terms of free part-time nursery education from the term after the relevant birthday, in the case of four-year-olds until compulsory education begins.

The place could be in a:

group of registered childminders
preschool or playgroup
day nursery
private nursery school
state nursery school
nursery class in a primary school
reception class in a primary school (four-year-olds only)

What isn't free
Any additional hours over and above the part-time place that your child might spend in a setting for which you'd normally pay fees.

Comments please!!!

Three little pigs......offensive!!!

noreply@blogger.com (A father.) — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 17:10:00 +0000

A story based on the Three Little Pigs fairy tale has been turned down by a government agency's awards panel as the subject matter could offend Muslims.
The digital book, re-telling the classic story, was rejected by judges who warned that "the use of pigs raises cultural issues".

The CD-Rom digital version of the traditional story of the three little pigs, called Three Little Cowboy Builders, is aimed at primary school children.

But judges at this year's Bett Award said that they had "concerns about the Asian community and the use of pigs raises cultural issues".

Dads please post comments on this subject.

What is a fathers role ?

noreply@blogger.com (A father.) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 20:41:00 +0000

Calling all dads

What is a fathers role?

He is the provider, Disciplinarian, role model

Comments please

Stepfathers

noreply@blogger.com (A father.) — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 13:25:00 +0000

Many stepfathers take on a lot of responsibility - emotionally, practically and financially - but may feel they have no power and aren't appreciated. And if you have children of your own, you may spend less time with them than with your stepchildren, which can lead to feelings of guilt and resentment.

You'll need to maintain realistic expectations of your new family life and a sense of humour. In addition, you may find the following helpful:

Make sure you set clear roles and responsibilities with your partner.

Spend time with your stepchildren alone. Remember that building relationships takes time.
Develop a relationship with your stepchildren before attempting to discipline them.

Try not to take their negative feelings too personally. They are probably upset with the situation, not by you as a person.

Encourage children to spend time alone with your partner, and also with their other parent. This will help them to see that you respect these relationships.

Calling all stepfathers please post your comments!

TV threat to children's reading !!

noreply@blogger.com (A father.) — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 14:35:00 +0000

Children should spend less time playing computer games and more time reading with their parents.

There is a danger that reading is getting pushed out by television, the internet and computer games.

Gordon Brown at the Number 10 launch of the National Year of Reading, said 15% of children were never read to by their parents.

The prime minister said reading was not just a joy, but a route out of poverty.

He added: "It's not just the joy of reading, father-to-son or in the classroom.
"It's also the benefits of reading. It's probably one of the best anti-poverty, anti-deprivation, anti-crime, anti-vandalism policies you can think of."

Comments please.

Parental Responsibility....An Update!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (A father.) — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 19:26:00 +0000

Parental responsibility;

Mothers automatically have parental responsibility (PR) for their children, but it's more complicated for dads. Yet PR is vital for your children's welfare. Without parental responsibility you can't authorise medical treatment for your child and don't have the right to see their medical records.

If you have PR, your child can't be adopted, have their surname changed or be taken out of the country without your agreement. You're automatically entitled to PR if you're married to your child's mother.

If you're not married to your child's mother you can automatically get PR provided you register the birth along with the mother.

If a mother prevents you from gaining PR, you can seek a parental responsibility order through the courts.

Please leave comments on this topic.

Frustration!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (A father.) — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 19:27:00 +0000

Calling all dads, stepdads and granddads.

Do you need support in parenting your children?

Do you need someone to talk too?

Do you want to share good parenting tips or discuss your anxieties?

F.A.C.E. Fathers And Children Engage; your local fathers group can help you get that support and provide a safe environment for males to talk, share great ideas and discuss their anxieties about parenting with like minded males.

From Baby to Teens

Support us in supporting you! Contact us by e-mail or visits it us on Monday Nights at Park Children's Centre. Old Skelmersdale

Parenting support for dads by dads!

Funding!!!

noreply@blogger.com (A father.) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 19:26:00 +0000

Attention all visitors!!!!

Please support F.A.C.E and donate what ever you can.

The funds we raise will help to benefit fathers and their children , it will enable us to go on trips, bring in guest speakers or buy resources that will benefit all children at the centre

Please donate today and use the donate button now!

We need your support

Thanks

F.A.C.E

Poorest children 'falling behind'

noreply@blogger.com (A father.) — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 19:41:00 +0000

Children from the most deprived areas of England are falling further behind in school compared to more affluent pupils, say the Conservatives.

The figures are based on comparisons of the GCSE results of pupils from the 10% most affluent areas and the 10% most deprived.
The growing lead reflects an accelerating improvement in the results of children from better-off families - with 68% of these pupils now reaching the benchmark of five good GCSEs including English and maths, up from 57% in 2006.
Meanwhile, the results of the least well-off pupils have slipped back - down from 29% to 25% reaching this GCSE benchmark.
The government figures show how the link between home background and achievement stubbornly persists throughout children's years in school.

Is Skelmersdale a deprived area?
Do you think our kids are achieving the same as kids from places like Ormskirk, Parbold or Aughton?

Comments Please!

Parents urged to read more with their children

noreply@blogger.com (A father.) — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 19:34:00 +0000

Parents are being urged to make a New Year's resolution to spend more time reading to their children.
Schools Secretary Ed Balls is spearheading the initiative ahead of the National Year of Reading 2008, which officially starts in April.
Mr Balls said reading a child a bedtime story every night could have a huge impact on their development.
"Reading can bring fun to their lives, feed their imagination, and develop their curiosity about the world."

Dads do you think reading is important, or do you just not have the time?

Interesting subject this one, we have had a discussion before about this topic.

Comments please.

Christmas cost how much!!!!!!!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (A father.) — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 19:27:00 +0000

Happy New Year, 2008 at last.

Christmas is such a great time for families, But it certainly is expensive and I am sure we are all thinking about the cost of it all and how we manage to pay back what we have borrowed to make it special.

If any one has any tips or ideas on how to budget and manage the expense of Christmas will you please share them with us

Comments please

Christmas Cards!!

noreply@blogger.com (A father.) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 20:42:00 +0000

Dads and mums had a great Evening making Christmas Cards today, the children really enjoyed themselves and were proud to show off the cards that they had made

Even Andrew surprised himself and created a great card

Well done to all who attended.

Calling all Dads you too could be enjoying events like this with your children!

Call 01695 554535 for details of meetings in the New Year
or E-mail f.a.c.eskelmersdale@googlemail.com

Dads will next Meet on Monday the 7th Jan 5-6.45 at Park Children's Centre

Merry Christmas and all the Best for 2008

Lower school leaving age proposed !

noreply@blogger.com (A father.) — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 16:18:00 +0000

The head of the UK's biggest education authority says some children should have the option to leave school at 14.

However the goverment is planning to raise school leaving age to 18.

This is the statement released by the goverment!

Raising the education leaving age in England to 18 is a key plank of the government's legislative plans, set out in the Queen's Speech.
The leaving age bill includes a duty on parents to assist their children to participate in education or training.
There are also moves to reform the apprenticeship system and to improve achievement for children in care.

Comments please .

Its official!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (A father.) — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 16:15:00 +0000

Thanks for your votes dads

Its official, all the dads that voted feel Christmas is worth all of the hassle and expense

Ho Ho Ho

Merry Christmas!