--- title: "Boosting Dads' Participation: Keeping Dads Engaged in Fatherhood Programs" description: Learn several key strategies to maintain fathers' enthusiasm in your program and keep them coming back. image: https://www.fatherhood.org/hubfs/Images/Blog/NFI_Blog_boosting-dads-participation.jpg --- [Skip to main content](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/keeping-dads-engaged-in-fatherhood-programs#main) - [![NFI mark](https://www.fatherhood.org/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/NFI%20mark.svg)FATHERHOOD.ORG](https://www.fatherhood.org/) - [STORE.FATHERHOOD.ORG](https://store.fatherhood.org/) [![NFI_logo_blue_left (1) 1](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png?width=149&height=82&name=NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png) ![NFI_logo_blue_left (1) 1](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png?width=119&height=65&name=NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png) ![NFI_logo_blue_left (1) 1](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png?width=119&height=66&name=NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png) ![NFI_logo_blue_left (1) 1](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png?width=89&height=49&name=NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png) ](https://www.fatherhood.org) - [How To Build Strong Families](https://www.fatherhood.org/build-strong-families) - [Why Father Inclusion Matters](https://www.fatherhood.org/why-father-inclusion-matters) - Show submenu for Get Involved Get Involved - [Fatherhood Programs](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/programs-and-resources) - [Train Your Staff](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/staff-training) - [State, County, and City Agency Services](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/collaborative-services) Open main navigation Close main navigation - Show submenu for Get Informed Get Informed - [How To Build Strong Families](https://www.fatherhood.org/build-strong-families) - [Why Father Inclusion Matters](https://www.fatherhood.org/why-father-inclusion-matters) - [Father Stats & Infographics](https://www.fatherhood.org/father-absence-statistic) - Show submenu for Get Involved Get Involved - [Fatherhood Programs](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/programs-and-resources) - [Train Your Staff](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/staff-training) - [State, County, and City Agency Services](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/collaborative-services) - Show submenu for Get Started Get Started - [Find Your Stage of Father Inclusion](https://www.fatherhood.org/father-inclusion) - [How Father Friendly Is Your Organization?](https://www.fatherhood.org/father-friendly) - [Get In Touch](https://www.fatherhood.org/get-started) [Store](https://store.fatherhood.org/?hsLang=en) [Get In Touch](https://www.fatherhood.org/get-started) [Store](https://store.fatherhood.org/?hsLang=en) Show submenu for Get Started Get Started - [Fatherhood Data & Statistics](https://www.fatherhood.org/father-absence-statistic) - [How Father Friendly is Your Organization?](https://www.fatherhood.org/father-friendly) - [Other Free Resources](https://www.fatherhood.org/nfi-free-resources) - [Talk With us to Get Started](https://www.fatherhood.org/get-started) National Fatherhood Initiative Blog / [Latest Articles](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood) [fatherhood program planning](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/fatherhood-program-planning) # Boosting Dads' Participation: Keeping Dads Engaged in Fatherhood Programs 2 min read ![Melissa Byers](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/melissa_circle_icon.png?width=100&height=100&name=melissa_circle_icon.png) [** Melissa Byers ** ](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/author/melissa-byers) Melissa is the Chief Marketing Officer at National Fatherhood Initiative® (NFI). Melissa oversees the organization's marketing, communications, graphic design, and product fulfillment functions. ![NFI_Blog_boosting-dads-participation](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Blog/NFI_Blog_boosting-dads-participation.jpg?width=500&height=333&name=NFI_Blog_boosting-dads-participation.jpg) Programs aimed at dads are pivotal in equipping fathers with essential child-rearing skills. They also provide an opportunity for men to connect with peers going through similar experiences. However, fatherhood programs and initiatives often struggle to get men initially involved and keep them actively participating over the long term. Here are several key strategies to maintain fathers' enthusiasm in your program. **Make the Content Relevant and Practical **Programs that include concrete life skills will get more buy-in from dads. Instruction on topics like discipline, managing family finances, playing constructively with kids, and handling emotions resonates more than abstract advice. NFI's [24:7 Dad® program](https://store.fatherhood.org/complete-program-kit-24-7-dad-am-3rd-ed.-english-/) does just this! When men walk away with practical tips they can immediately apply at home, they stay motivated. **Facilitate Meaningful Peer Connections **Men often resist asking for help or sharing vulnerabilities. Fatherhood programs should foster relationships between dads by providing a judgment-free space to exchange stories, challenges, and lessons learned. Knowing they're not alone in doubts or struggles can encourage men to keep returning. Small support groups are ideal for open dialogue. **Use Incentives Thoughtfully **External rewards like prizes or money can help initially engage reluctant dads. However, be careful about relying too heavily on short-term extrinsic motivators. The goal is to spark men's intrinsic desire to be present and engaged fathers. Help dads see the inherent value in active participation, above and beyond any material incentives. **Make the Program Father-Friendly **Consider the timing, location, format, and overall vibe to create a dad-centered environment. Evening or weekend sessions may accommodate fathers' work schedules better. Incorporate interests like sports that appeal to men. Maintain a casual, positive atmosphere where dads feel comfortable. Getting logistics right makes it easier for men to show up. And don't forget to make your location father-friendly with [posters](https://store.fatherhood.org/posters/) and resources specifically for dads! **Check In Regularly and Solicit Feedback **Consistently seek input from fathers on curriculum topics that interest them, presentation formats they respond to, convenient scheduling, and other needs. Periodically adjusting program components based on their feedback makes dads feel heard and keeps material relevant to their concerns as parents. **Highlight Growth and Progress **Look for opportunities to celebrate men's commitment to participating and developing new skills. People are motivated when their effort is recognized. Remind fathers of how much they're learning by being involved. Show them how they're becoming more confident, caring dads. When programs make dads feel understood and equipped with tangible fathering abilities, they stay eager and engaged. Keeping fathers invested for the long haul leads to positive outcomes for the whole family! [![Cutting Edge Tips for Running an Exceptional Fatherhood Program (On Demand)](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/135704/e25050e7-67c7-4517-aadd-e63e58a7004a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/135704/e25050e7-67c7-4517-aadd-e63e58a7004a) Date Published: 09/07/2023 Last Updated: 09/07/2023 ## Learn How to Build a Fatherhood Program That Works Download this free guide for a proven 7-step roadmap—from making the case and securing funding for your program, to launching and measuring real results! [Get The Guide Now!](https://www.fatherhood.org/starting-a-fatherhood-program) ![7-steps-starting-a-fatherhood_program](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/7-steps-starting-a-fatherhood_program.png?width=700&height=700&name=7-steps-starting-a-fatherhood_program.png) [ Previous ](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/an-amazing-fatherhood-programs-impact-on-birth-outcomes) [ Next ](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/the-state-of-the-worlds-and-americas-fathers) ## Related Articles ### [How to Help Dads Thrive through Father-Inclusive Programs and Services Dads are irreplaceable and essential for child well-being. Whether teaching them life skills, providing emotional support, or simply being a steady presence, dads’ profound impact ... 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