Department of Family Services

CONTACT INFORMATION: Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
703-324-7500 TTY 711
12011 Government Center Parkway, Pennino Building
Fairfax, VA 22035
Michael A. Becketts
Director

June is Fatherhood Awareness Month

June is Fatherhood Awareness Month

Fathers matter. Whether it’s giving his baby a bath, learning how to braid a daughter’s hair, helping with virtual schooling, eating together with family, or cheering from the stands, dads are vital in the upbringing of their children. 

A father’s influence continues to be important as children grow up. When dads talk with older kids about their daily lives, help them with college and career decisions, and share parenting wisdom with their adult kids, the impact is immeasurable.

Research tells us when dads are involved in the lives of their children, those children tend to be more psychologically and emotionally balanced and tend to have better social skills, higher grades and stronger parenting skills when they start their own families. When fathers are involved, children are less vulnerable to childhood poverty, substance abuse, juvenile delinquency and teen pregnancy.

June is Fatherhood Awareness Month, and Fairfax County is taking this opportunity to celebrate fathers. Join us!


Tuesday, June. 10 – Free Virtual Parent Café: Positive Co-Parenting – Working as a Team for Your Child’s Wellbeing

Virtual Parent Cafés are a great way for parents to learn from each other as they grow in their parenting skills. The next free Virtual Parent Café will be held Tuesday, June 10, 6:30 to 8 p.m. to discuss “Positive Co-Parenting –Working as a Team for Your Child’s Wellbeing.” We’ll cover how parents can set aside their differences and work together to create a nurturing and stable environment where their children can thrive. Facilitators from the Parenting Education Programs and the Father Engagement Unit will lead the discussion. Any Fairfax County parents or guardians with children ages 0-18 years old can join in through MS Teams at https://bit.ly/44sWrKL. For more information or to preregister, email or call 703-324-7720.

 

Tuesday, June. 10 – Free Virtual Parent Café: Positive Co-Parenting – Working as a Team for Your Child’s Wellbeing


The 2025 NOVA Regional Fatherhood Workshop Series

The 2025 NOVA Regional Fatherhood Workshop SeriesAll Community Members, Fathers, Father Figures, and Professionals are invited to this online weekly workshop series to help enhance a father’s self-awareness, self-care, parenting and relationship skills. Join us each Tuesday in June from 1-2:30 p.m. to explore the positive impact that involved fathers and father figures make on their children’s development and overall well-being! This regional series is a partnership between Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties. Learn more.


Board of Supervisors Proclamation

Fairfax County sealThe Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will be proclaiming June 2025, as Fatherhood Awareness Month, a time to raise public awareness of the importance of a father’s engagement with his children and family. Join us at the Board Meeting on the morning of June 24, 2025, for this presentation.


Community Engagement Toolkit

message cloudsFathers are irreplaceable in the lives of their children. They contribute to their children’s safety and stability, and there is a direct link between positive father involvement and child well-being. Share these easy-to-use social media tools as a way to recognize dads for all they do. 


Dads Group Dynamics Spark Growth

Youseph Sadeghi“Every class is different. The material may be the same, but depending on the dynamics of the group, there are new experiences that we all share with each other.” Ali Sadeghi, a participant and big supporter of our Dad’s Parenting Groups shared some of his reflections on what makes the groups work so well and how they help dads grow on their parenting journey. Check out the video.


Pocket Dad Fatherhood Advice Videos

Pocket Dad Video graphic logoIt's a fact – fathers are important to their children! Their positive involvement contributes to child safety and well-being. Through each Pocket Dad video, our Father Engagement team members talk about relevant, timely and interesting topics to help dads be better dads. Videos cover topics such as discipline, co-parenting, self-care, and more.


The Keys to Success for Families

multigenerational familyNo one can take all the stress out of parenting, but it can be manageable if you build up the five protective factors that help families thrive. Learn more about these keys to success including ways to bounce back during adversity, social connections, seeking community resources, learning about child development, and social emotion learning. 

Fairfax Virtual Assistant