Being a father

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.

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.

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."

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?

Forging a new path for fatherhood in the Eastern Cape

Honest conversations and creating safe spaces for reflection helped men in the Eastern Cape to take important steps towards re-writing the story of fatherhood for children in the region.

How to overcome co-parenting challenges for your child’s well-being

Co-parenting Series: Part 5

Tshepiso Matentjie, a psychologist and life coach, talks to us about how the impact of unresolved conflicts between co-parents on children can be lessened.

Common challenges when trying to make co-parenting work

Co-parenting Series: Part 4

Educational psychologist and life coach, Tshepiso Matentjie offers some important insights for fathers and mothers who are trying to make co-parenting work.

'Fatherhood is a life or death issue'

When men look at their own childhood experiences and create space for sharing and healing, it frees them up to be a positive father influence for future generations. This was the message from the latest Fathers Matter Ambassadors Conference in the Western Cape.

Nkosinathi Sixabayi’s life was changed for the better by the men who were social fathers to him, and as an adult he is now intentional about being a positive, safe role model for other children too.

Social fathering is about carrying the "essence" of positive fatherhood into all of life. When men step up as positive role models for children who aren't their biological kids, it reflects the beauty of community.

‘There’s an opportunity for every father to change the future’

At the KwaZulu-Natal Fathers Matter Ambassadors Conference, delegates from different parts of the province gathered to discuss the importance of fatherhood, share their fatherhood stories and brainstorm solutions to our nation’s fatherhood challenges.

Fathers Matter