Foster Fathers, Mentor Dads - Giving A Child A Home . . .

The rules of engagement in fatherhood can sometimes be described as a tiered process that includes spending time, acquiring the tools to be good fathers and to ultimately bring transformation to lives. While we traditionally think of these father roles within the confines of our own families, there remains a special opportunity for some of us to touch unique lives to extending our fatherhood roles beyond our own families. This privilege belongs to a special group of fathers; they are foster fathers and mentor dads.

Having a full-time job. Being married with children. Balancing the commitments of work and family. Overcoming challenges in a fast-paced environment. That sounds like the busy lives of many Singaporean men. What makes some men, despite their busy schedule, open their homes and their hearts to be fathers to children who are not their own? “My motivation to foster is to help the children. There are lots of children in the children’s homes. A home is a better place for them to grow up in." - Mr Loh, a foster parent since 2004.

Mr Loh's simple act of opening his home to a child, and transforming that child's live in such positive ways, is emblematic of what the Dads for Life movement hopes to bring about - transformation to children's lives through providing safe and nurturing environments for them to flourish and to grow. The difference that a positive male model makes is tremendous; Research has shown the distinct benefits of paternal involvement on child development in terms of improved cognitive, socio-emotional, psychological and academic outcomes.

"It was difficult initially as she is a teenager and she also came with baggage from her past. I told her on the first day she came: if you won’t give up on yourself, I will not give up on you. It was difficult as I did feel like giving up many times. But from what I see, Anastasia has blossomed into a stable young lady.”  - Mr Muhd. Tawin, a foster parent. The journey, as Mr Muhd's experience suggests, may not be easy, but it is certainly rewarding.

If you want to know more about how you can contribute, call us at 6354 8799 or click here.

Interesting Facts on the MCYS Fostering Scheme

* Figures as at end October 2009