A Celebration of Fatherhood  

The Fatherhood Festival is an event hosted in North Nashville, that focuses on celebrating & recognizing males and the positive impact they make in the lives of children everyday. New Life Center, along with our community partners, celebrate their impact with a full day of free games, activities, music and food for fathers, alongside their families.

7 Reasons Fathers Matter. 

The New Life Center stands behind the idea that fathers play a critical role in the development and well-being of their children, and their significance cannot be overstated. A father's presence, involvement, and positive influence have a profound impact on a child's physical, emotional, and social growth.

1. 1. Nurturing and Emotional Support: Fathers provide a unique style of caregiving that complements the mother's role. They offer a distinct emotional support system, promoting a sense of security and stability in a child's life. Through their presence and affection, fathers contribute to the development of the child's self-esteem, emotional intelligence, and overall mental well-being.

   2. Role Model and Identity Formation: Fathers serve as role models for their children, especially sons. They demonstrate traits and behaviors that influence their children's values, beliefs, and sense of identity. Fathers often teach important life skills, such as problem-solving, resilience, and discipline, which are crucial for a child's personal growth and success in various areas of life.

   3. Cognitive and Academic Development: Father involvement has been linked to enhanced cognitive development and academic achievement in children. Active engagement by fathers in their children's education and learning processes has shown positive effects on their academic performance, motivation, and educational aspirations. Fathers' involvement encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and a love for learning.

   4. Social and Behavioral Skills: Fathers contribute significantly to their children's social and behavioral development. They provide a different perspective on relationships, communication, and problem-solving, fostering healthy social skills in their children. Studies have shown that children with involved fathers are more likely to exhibit empathy, exhibit fewer behavioral problems, and develop better self-control.

   5. Gender Role and Gender Equality: Fathers play a crucial role in promoting gender equality and challenging traditional gender stereotypes. By modeling egalitarian attitudes and behaviors, fathers shape their children's understanding of gender roles, promoting respect, equality, and positive interactions between genders.

   6. Physical Health and Well-being: Active fatherhood is associated with better physical health outcomes in children. Fathers' involvement often leads to healthier lifestyles, including proper nutrition, regular exercise, and reduced risk-taking behaviors. Engaging in physical activities and spending quality time with fathers can contribute to the overall well-being and healthy habits of children.

   7. Long-Term Outcomes: The effects of involved fatherhood extend beyond childhood. Research suggests that children with involved fathers are more likely to have better educational attainment, career success, and higher levels of emotional well-being in adulthood. Fatherly support and guidance throughout various life stages contribute to positive outcomes and healthier relationships.