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Greetings and welcome to our first edition of
The Crowe Report (Winter 2008, VOL.1 NO.1)
Happy New Year! Yes, it’s January - again. This is the time of year when we reflect on the year that has passed in order to go forward into the new year. As I
look back at 2007, I am truly blessed to be a part of this wonderful work.
I would like to share my sincere thanks and appreciation for all the calls and emails regarding the book, Real Dads Stand Up! We were
overwhelmed with feedback and response and I could not answer each and every one, but we appreciate your thoughts and thank you for your support.
We are looking forward to continuing this effort to help connect children with their fathers through the work of Real Dads Stand Up!
We will continue to keep you posted with resources and information.
What’s your pledge?
For the New Year, make a pledge to get active and stay connected with your children.
Join Fatherhood Group or Start Your Own
Many fatherhood groups are forming all over the country to address the issues of family and the important roles fathers play. They provide support for Dads who need
somewhere to go or want to be heard. Dads get the benefit of hearing other dads share their experiences and hope. Most of these organizations hold conferences, workshops
and events and offer seminars and legal information. Dads get to meet other dads who may be going through the same experiences and learn how to cope and get through.
A lot of fathers talk about wanting to change the way the system works. In order to change the system, fathers must take the first step and come together.
Tips for Staying Connected in a Positive Way
There are many fathers who do not live with their children. Some are non-custodial fathers who may have court ordered visitation/access. Sometimes there are orders
for telephone access; sometimes the issue of communication is completely overlooked. Say the parent relocates and the children live far away, making it extremely
difficult to foster and maintain a relationship. The development of technology and communication are key mechanisms which enable fathers to stay connected to their
children. Communications, technology and a little creativity can now provide the necessary link to helping dads communicate and maintain access with their children.
Virtual Visitation involves using technology to communicate and visit with your children. Such tools as video conferencing, video chat, email, instant messaging,
cell phones, camera phones, and video phones enable dads to stay connected to their children. While virtual visitation is by no means a substitute for live human
interaction, its advantages far outweigh the telephone where one would just have to use their imagination. Now, dads can actually see their children’s faces. Plus,
you can read stories to your child, help with their homework, take virtual field trips, and play games with them over the internet.
Virtual Visitation is a new trend that will eventually become part of divorce and visitation orders in the future.
Don’t let time slip waiting for change to happen. Take initiative. Here are just a few creative ideas to keep the connection:
- Send cards, photos, postcards that say “I Love You”.
- Order pizza and have it delivered to your children for special occasions.
- Send magazine subscriptions for their favorite hobbies and interests. Every time they receive a copy of the magazine or flip through it, they will think of
you.
- Send care packages with some of your child’s favorite items.
- Now you can put photos on just about anything. Create unique gifts that your children will remember such as pillows, mugs, posters, bags, tee-shirts, etc.
Helpful websites:
*Publisher does not endorse any particular organization.
The following are for informational purposes only.
www.virtualvisitation.org
www.Internetvisitation.net
www.distantpartent.org
www.ancpr.org
www.fathersandfamilies.org
www.fatherhood.org
www.parentalalienationawareness.org
www.realdadsnetwork.com
www.azffc.org
www.npcl.org
www.cnbpinc.org
www.crckids.org
Resources: Media, Newspapers and Publications:
www.proudpoppa.net
www.krightsradio.com
If you would like to add your comments, please, check out our new blog on myspace.com/realdadsstandup
where you can post your comments.
Coming Soon! Real Dads Stand Up! Merchandise: T-Shirts, Mugs, Caps and other gift
items. Real Dads Stand Up! on audio CD and DVD.
Wishing you all the best in 2008!
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