Stories – Fathers Matter

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.

A bigger wallet doesn’t make you a better father

As much as we’d like to think more money would solve all our problems, children would rather have a dad who is involved in their lives than one who sends money but doesn’t know them.

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.

How I supported my husband as he fought to be part of his daughter’s life

Co-parenting Series: Part 3

Even though it was difficult, Dineo knew that it was important to keep supporting her husband as he tried to be part of his daughter's life by co-parenting with his ex.

Why parallel parenting was the answer with my difficult ex

Co-parenting Series: Part 2

Is it still possible to co-parent with a narcissistic ex partner? Shelley found a way to involve her son's father in his life using the parallel parenting model. Read her story here.

Choosing to co-parent for my children's well-being

Co-parenting Series: Part 1

Lebo shares how she and her ex-husband persevered to find a way to work together and co-parent amicably for their children's sake.

‘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.

Focusing on youth is next for Fathers Matter

Unsettling research findings and critical conversations on youth and fatherhood were the talk of the day at the Fathers Matter Youth Message Design Workshop.

Fathers Matter