CHICAGO, June 19 (UPI) -- A researcher at the University of Chicago says men should work hard at becoming better fathers.
"Sometimes dads feel like they don't get the same level of support that moms do when they become parents, but I think dads should seek opportunities from the beginning to be involved with their children," said Jennifer Bellamy, an assistant professor at the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration.
Bellamy said her views on fatherhood were partially shaped when she worked on a research project on fatherhood in Texas.
Bellamy said fathers should seek to be more involved in their children's lives from the start.
"Fathers should, for instance, try to go to visits with the pediatrician and ask questions about their child's development," Bellamy said.
Bellamy said fathers should locate groups in their communities that provide support and encouragement for fathers.
"We know that fathers play with children in a different way than mothers do, they are more physical, and that benefits the children. That physical activity actually helps the children's development," Bellamy said.
Bellamy's fieldwork includes time with low-income, never-married parents and their children in Texas.
Bellamy said effective interventions can help young fathers become better dads.
