Posted on June 12, 2025
By Keith Hadad
Staff Writer
For more information on this topic (or for more dad jokes!), contact Isaiah at ifudge@acnj.org.
This Father’s Day, let’s take time to appreciate how much love, joy, and fun fathers bring into the lives of their families. Being the best superhero, teacher, and role model a kid could ask for is certainly important and warrants recognition. Fathers, just like mothers, deserve to be supported and seen, and when they are, their health and positivity are reflected in the health and well-being of their children.
Children thrive with the positive presence of fathers and the stability they bring to their homes. The Society for Research in Child Development says that “children with more engaged fathers have higher levels of cognitive skills and academic grades, more positive peer relationships, and fewer behavior and mental health problems.” Studies, like this one by UC Irvine, also found that having a harsh or absent father greatly raises the chances of a youth entering the criminal justice system.
Fathering not only boosts the mental health of children, it can equally boost the mental health of the fathers themselves. According to Psychology Today, “Fathers’ and babies’ brains function symbiotically, neuroscientists are finding, each party benefiting in some way from the other’s cognitive influence.” The happiness that fathers can feel from the act of parenting–the love they feel from their child, or from vicariously experiencing the joy and wonder of their little ones–can often bring sunshine to even the grayest of days. This is certainly true for Richard Santangelo, ACNJ’s Fundraising Manager and father of two, who says that his favorite aspect of fathering is watching his children discover the world. “Seeing things through their eyes, sharing in their wonder, and witnessing their growth over time–it’s a mix of joy, pride, and responsibility that evolves every day,” Santangelo said.
Similarly, ACNJ’s Positive Youth Development Director, Isaiah Fudge, a father of a 12-year-old daughter, says his favorite aspect of being a dad is the fun he has with his daughter. “I am the dad joke king, and my daughter gets a kick out of my corniness, even though she won't admit it. I brag that I am the first person to ever make her laugh! I love it!”
While being a father is a rewarding and positively transformative experience, some new dads might have a difficult time adjusting to their role. When it comes to raising children, no matter if you’re the father or mother, there can be a great deal of pressure, and that stress could easily lead to increased levels of cortisol in the body, which can contribute to or exacerbate symptoms of depression and/or irritability.
According to a study on paternal mental health, one in 10 fathers will experience prenatal and postpartum depression. Meanwhile, a study on paternal anxiety during the prenatal and postpartum period found that prenatal/postpartum anxiety is present in rates that are considerably higher than the global WHO regional average for anxiety amongst men. Untreated depression and anxiety can lead to increased hostility at home, resentment towards your children, and ultimately, negative behavior and emotional problems with your kids.
In a study by Dave, Nazareth, Sherr, and Senior, an association was found between paternal postpartum depression and negative infant temperament, which is the foundation for future child internalizing and externalizing behaviors. This means that a father’s poor mental health could indeed affect the moods and behaviors of his children.
So what can fathers in New Jersey do if they’re having a difficult time adjusting to being a parent or grappling with their mental health? Thankfully, there are several resources that dads in the state can take advantage of when they need the help:
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- Fathers Care Network (FCN) - https://avanzarnow.org/programs-and-services/fatherhood-services/
A 26-session program offered in Atlantic City aimed at equipping men with the skills and resources necessary to become strong, nurturing, and supportive fathers. - Fatherhood Support Group - https://www.passaicresourcenet.org/search/fatherhood-support-group/
The Catholic Charities Diocese of Paterson hosts an in-person paternal support group that focuses on understanding the self, fathering versus parenting, and how to be a better father. - F.E.L.L.A.S - Fatherhood Program of Essex https://pmch.org/fellas/
A free program that engages fathers in Essex County to promote healthy relationships, strengthen parenting skills, and increase economic stability through employment training, support groups, and individualized support. - Hey Black Dad - https://www.heyblackdads.com/
Peter Bullock, a dad doula, provides support for new dads through courses and in-person and virtual coaching sessions to educate them on how to best support their birthing partner through their prenatal and postpartum pregnancy journey.
- NJ Family Alliance - https://www.njfamilyalliance.org/
New Jersey's Family Support Organizations are community-based, family-led, non-profit agencies whose mission is to offer support, education and advocacy to families and caregivers of children with emotional, behavioral and mental health needs. - Parents Inc. of New Jersey - Father Time - https://parentsincofnj.org/programs/fathertime/
A free program by dads for dads that includes professionally facilitated peer-led community-based support groups, the National Fatherhood Initiative Fatherhood Program 24/7 DAD™ curriculum and community-wide family activities. - The Fathers Center of New Jersey - https://thefathercenter.org/
A community organization that offers everything from stress management training and anger management programs to adult vocational classes aimed at giving fathers in the life skills they need to best support their families
- Fathers Care Network (FCN) - https://avanzarnow.org/programs-and-services/fatherhood-services/
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If you know of other paternal support groups, please let us know in the comments of our social media posts. Thank you dads of New Jersey, we appreciate you!
