22-2
THE ROLE OF
FATHERS IN CHILD
CARE
Traditionally, in most areas, it is
the mother who takes the main
responsibility for small children. But
fathers are also responsible—or
should be. In some societies, fathers
share part of the child care or even
take the children to the under-fives
clinic. Although in this part of the
book we mainly refer to mothers, the
participation of fathers in child care
should be encouraged.
Since mothers are the ones who
generally take the children to ‘under-
fives’ activities, it may be a good
idea to arrange special sessions for
fathers, or for fathers and mothers
together. That way, the fathers will be
more supportive of new ideas about
child care and nutrition that mothers
learn in the under-f ives program.
Not only mothers and fathers, but also older
brothers and sisters have a very important role in
the care of small children. This is the subject of
Chapter 24.