Scroll down to view the sessions. There are 15 total sessions in the Fathers and Sons curriculum. Each one builds on the last, and the goal of the overall program is to build effective communication, cultural awareness, and build skills that will build parenting skills.
The purpose of session one is to provide an overview of the
Chicago Fathers and Sons Program. This session is also designed
to acquaint participants with one another and initiate
interaction within the group. Participants’ expectations of the
program and the program’s expectations of them are discussed.
Other discussion topics include safety as it relates to physical
activity.
Get Session 1 Material
The purpose of session two is for fathers and sons to understand
the legacy of African American families and the unique
development and changes associated with adolescence. Discussion
topics include African American families in the United States,
family diversity, and adolescent health and well-being.
Get Session 2 Material
The purpose of session three is to educate participants about
people of African heritage to help them appreciate how African
American culture is a part of African heritage and how we are
all connected.
Get Session 3 Material
The purpose of session four is to introduce participants to the
concept of communication and to discuss different ways in which
fathers and sons can have meaningful communication with one
another.
Get Session 4 Material
The purpose of session five is to increase family knowledge
about technological devices and applications for
communicating.
Get Session 5 Material
The purpose of session six is to allow fathers and sons time to
share their feelings about the program. It is also a time to
reflect on what has been learned, reinforce important knowledge
and skill building strategies, and determine if there are any
issues that need to be addressed before moving ahead with the
program. Fathers and Sons will also plan a community service
project in the area they live in which they may complete with
one another.
Get Session 6 Material
The purpose of session seven is to begin discussions about the
importance of parenting behaviors, values, and expectations for
what are acceptable and unacceptable attitudes and behaviors for
children. The focus will be on interpersonal relationships,
substance use, violent behaviors and early sexual initiation.
Sons will also have an opportunity to talk about these issues
using pictures taken to represent their concerns.
Get Session 7 Material
The purpose of session eight is to build on what was learned in
session seven about parenting behaviors and begin discussions
about personal relationships and community supports, as they
relate to health risk and protective behaviors.
Get Session 8 Material
The purpose of session nine is to provide participants with
information that will be useful in efforts to prevent substance
use among sons. PowerPoint presentations are used to share
information on risky behaviors associated with substance use
among adolescents. In addition, exercises that explore family
attitudes, values, and beliefs regarding these risky behaviors
are facilitated. Information used for addressing substance abuse
among fathers is also provided.
Get Session 9 Material
The purpose of session ten is to provide participants with
information that should be useful in efforts to delay early sex
initiation among sons. PowerPoint presentations are used to
share information on risky behaviors associated with sexual
initiation among adolescents. In addition, exercises that
explore family attitudes, values, and beliefs regarding these
risky behaviors are facilitated.
Get Session 10 Material
The purpose of session eleven is to expose participants to
information that will be useful in efforts to prevent or reduce
aggressive behaviors among sons. A PowerPoint presentation will
be used to provide information on factors associated with youth
violence and the prevalence of violence in the Chicago area.
Discussions of attitudes and beliefs will be facilitated so that
parental values and expectations about risky behaviors during
adolescence can be communicated.
Get Session 11 Material
The purpose of session twelve is to expose participants to
information that should be useful in efforts to raise awareness
about bullying. A PowerPoint presentation will be used to
provide knowledge and information regarding bullying and a
discussion on attitudes and beliefs will be facilitated so that
parental values and expectations regarding bullying can be
communicated.
Get Session 12 Material
The purpose of session thirteen is to increase family knowledge
about risky behaviors on social media outlets and to give
fathers and sons strategies for monitoring this behavior.
Get Session 13 Material
The purpose of session fourteen is to introduce African cultural
practices as health promoting strategies for physical and mental
well-being.
Get Session 14 Material
The purpose of session fifteen is to congratulate participants
for completing the program and to provide them with resources in
the community to assist them in continuing to strengthen their
relationships. Participants will present materials created
throughout the program, share insight into their experiences,
and invite family and friends to share in their success.
Get Session 15 Material