How father baby-bonding helps a child for life.

Earlier this year Bruce Robinson introduced Richard Fletcher at a drinks and finger food gathering at CTECH, University of Western Australia. The launch attracted a good number of professionals and supporters.

Richard’s book The Dad Factor presents explanations of why a father’s involvement with his child, right from birth, is vitally important to the development of a child’s brain and emotional stability.

Of particular interest to The Fathering Project was Richard’s discussion on the value of Rough and Tumble Play.  We plan to bring you more information on this fascinating way Dads and their children can have time together.

This stimulating book explores many fascinating new understandings of the importance of a father in a child’s development. Richard Fletcher, a pioneer researcher in the area of men’s health and family issues, examines how a father’s close bond with his baby is vital for the development of the child’s healthy brain structure and their cognitive and emotional development.

Dr Richard Fletcher leads the Fathers and Families Research Program at the University of Newcastle. In the 1990s he pioneered the study of men’s health and boys’ health and founded the community-based group, Fathers Against Rape, to conduct workshops with teenage boys in schools. He developed the Engaging Fathers Project at the University of Newcastle and worked to have it implemented in communities nationally. As a lecturer in the University’s Family Action Centre, he designed and delivered courses and seminars to teachers, nurses, occupational therapists and medical students.