Stories – Fathers Matter

Helping you help your child when they feel disappointed

Watching your child face disappointment – whether it is repeating a grade, not making a sports team, or being excluded from university due to finances – is one of the hardest things for a father.

Exploring Fatherhood: Perspectives from a Youth Deanery

Members of the Roman Catholic Youth North Deanery reflect on the transformative roles of fathers and mentors, inspired by the Fathers Matter programme.

What has your child taught you?

As we approach International Children's Day, it's a time to celebrate not just the joy and wonder that children bring into our lives, but also the invaluable wisdom they impart.

Fathers Matter partners with police to spread a positive message

Fathers Matter Ambassadors in George recently partnered with police and traffic officials at a local roadblock where the message of Fathers Matter was shared.

Equipping coaches to tackle fatherlessnes

The sporting world is all about performance but by equipping coaches with the Fathers Matter resources and inspiring them to embrace their role as mentors and father figures.

Fathers Matter gets the ball rolling with athletes in Jhb

“We want players to be good sportspeople on the field and good fathers and role models off it.” – Bruce Nadin, Stellenbosch FC Chaplain

How fatherhood impacts mental health

"Being a dad has been a mixed bag," admits Andile, a father navigating the complex journey of parenthood. "The initial joy is soon replaced with physical and mental exhaustion as the late nights, and early mornings, take their toll."

How to deal with a father wound

Nkosinathi grew up up without knowing his clan name. This missing piece of his heritage was a result of fatherlessness, and caused him much pain. Read about how he dealt with this father wound and found a way to move forward with healing.

A new narrative for fatherhood in the Garden Route

“Imagine the difference we can make in the Garden Route if we join hands..." This sentiment from Heartlines representative Debbie Bruce was at the heart of the Fathers Matter Ambassadors Conference in George.

How to teach your child the value of honesty

Do all children lie? When should you as a parent or guardian intervene? And, most importantly, how do you handle a dishonest child?

Why women matter in the Fathers Matter story

Stats SA reports that 42% of children in South Africa live in single-mom households. So how can we say that fathers matter? We believe that encouraging men to step up as active, positive and present role models for children, will benefit women too.

“Are we a seed in our father before we're in our mother's womb?”

Fathers Matter wasn’t created to invalidate the important role that mothers play. We want to highlight and support the positive and active role fathers and men play in the lives of children, in order to lessen the risks linked to the absence of fathers or positive male role models.