Teenage Tata
Voices of young fathers in South Africa
Sharlene Swartz, Arvin Bhana

Teenage Tata: Voices of young fathers in South Africa provides a fresh and in-depth portrait of impoverished young South African men who became fathers while teenagers. It provides space for their articulate and impassioned voices to be heard amidst the outcry against the absence of fathers, and offers insights into young fathers’ personal, emotional, financial and cultural struggles as they come to terms with fatherhood. The study highlights young fathers’ strong sense of responsibility; poignant accounts of emotional engagement with their children and the women in their lives; the motivating power of young fathers’ own absent fathers on their parenting intentions; their desire for sex- and relationship-education from male family members and their clear recognition of the help they need. Based on a multi-interview qualitative study in the informal settlements and townships around Cape Town and Durban, this monograph offers methodological innovations and showcases how social network interviews offer great potential for both research and intervention.

Escaping the Parent Trap

14 Principles for a balanced family life

By Dr. Debbie L. Cherry

This was an amazing read. Started off rather differently from all other books and I was tempted to move on but persisted and it was the best thing I could have done. 

There are some amazing ideas, stories, practical advice and some slap on the wrists for most of us parents.

This book would be most beneficial to parents just starting out or with young children, but even with early adolescent children I have been able to make some subtle changes and they have been met well.

I wish I could have had this book when my children were small and used it as a guideline on raising them.  Oh well, better late than never……

Some comments from others:…

“Dr Debbie tells readers they don’t need to be “super parents” to raise healthy kids and have a balanced family life.  Her 14 tried and true principles will help parents be successful while enjoying the journey.”

Gary. D. Chapman, PhD

“Most parenting books simply tell you what a good parent should do.  This one shows you how to do it…. Dr. Debbie Cherry offers intensely practical advice on the essential parenting techniques that every parent needs.

Dr. Garry Smalley

The Key to Your Child's Education

By: Tony Humphreys

This book aims to help parents create a family enviroment that promotes their own and their children's self-esteem.

Self-Esteem, or lack thereof, manifests itself in so many different ways in children, especially academically.  Lucky for us this book gives us the necessary advice and tools to recognise self-esteem and make the necessary changes to help our children.

It is never too late or early to start making these changes for the benefit of our children and their future.

Parents, lets make a difference!!

As usual these books are so inspiring. 

This book celebrates the wonderful relationship from childhood, the trying years of adolescence, the poignance of leaving home and even the years when daughters often become caregivers.

Boundaries with Kids

by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend

What an amazing book.  A little intimidating at times.  Some of us might find the advice easier to follow than others, but even though the journey might be different, we are all heading for the same destination.  We all want our kids to grow up and be successful and happy in their lives and future relationships

This book helps us as parents to raise our children to become strong, secure, healthy, responsible adults. It teaches them to take responsibility of their own actions and to develop their own character in a safe environment.

A must read for parents with kids of all ages - its never to late to start.

What KIDS need most in a DAD

By Tim Hansel

What do kids really need in a dad?

This book offers practical encouragement for the sacred and difficult priviledge of fatherhood.  It acknowledges that being a dad is demanding and challenging, yet reminds you that it's an exciting adventure that's well worth the effort.  It contains information that could potentially change your life, your relationship with your wife, and how you both influence and enjoy your children.

You'll find an honest, realistic image of the truly successful dad as author Tim Hansel clears away the myths and misconceptions about fathering.  He also reveals how you can be better prepared to accept the challenge of fathering, love your children for who they are, and develop a sense of what is really important in life.

Packed with creative ideas, positive principles and practical, time tested advice, What KIDS need most in a DAD will help you sharpen your skills and find new energy for becoming the kind of father your children depend on you to be.

Baba: Men and Fatherhood in South Africa provides answers to some of the most difficult questions about fatherhood in South Africa. Who is a father? What does it mean to be a father? Is it important for fathers to do more for children in a world that assumes that mothers take the primary parenting role? Do different people understand fatherhood in different ways? What evidence is there of new fatherhood styles emerging in South Africa?

Authors from a range of backgrounds and disciplines break new ground as they explore the centrality of fatherhood in the lives of men and in the experiences of children. They show how fathers involvement contributes to the well being of children. The authors argue that men can make a major contribution to the health of South African society by caring for children and producing a new generation of South Africans for whom men will be significant by their positive presence rather than by their absence or their abuse.

"The book is a valuable contribution to emerging national and international debates about supporting mens relationships with children. It is a must read for anyone working on community, family and child development in Southern Africa, and for anyone concerned about the roles of men and fathers in society and in families around the world" 

Tom Beardshaw, Director of Fathers Direct - National Online Information and Support Service for Fathers, UK.

It hits most men as they cradle their first child. More than any other role, fathering shapes a man's legacy. But what man is born knowing how to be a good dad? And who has time to be an effective father?

This is not a book of rules or impossible goals. It inspires confidence by offering a simple model of effective fathering. Charts, tips, quotes and activity ideas make it an easy read.

Paul Lewis believes that love, encouragement and approval are among your most significant gifts to your children. He shows how to make time and set goals so family time becomes as productive as work time. You'll learn how to use the network of "significant others" in each childs life, to communicate life skills, to pass on strong moral values, and to maximise your moments with your children.