A child’s voice: How the MenCare intervention in South Africa can change the father-child relationship seen from the perspective of a child.

Abstract

Background. This research analyses the relationship between fathers and children in four different historically disadvantaged areas in Cape Town, South Africa. These fathers all followed a parenting intervention. Purpose. The purpose of this research is to show the impact of the parenting interventions on the father-child relationship guided by theories about role modelling and the ecological framework. Method. Semi-structured interviews and drawings were used to collect the data. Children were asked to answer questions about their family life and their father’s role in child rearing and caregiving. The same children were asked to draw a portrait of their family. Conclusion. According to the children, fathers changed their behaviour after the parenting interventions, they were present in the house more often, did more chores in the household and were taking care of their children in a different way. All these changes affected the father-child relationship in a positive way.