Fatherhood is changing.

Health care professionals say the old image of the father as a person to be feared is giving way to an image of the father as a positive influence who makes children strong by demonstrating love.

The Cherokee Nation is trying to raise awareness with the “Kards for Kids” project run by the Indian Child Welfare staff. The note cards have images of positive parenting and are sold to benefit children in foster care.

Cherokee artist Verna Bates of Locust Grove allowed one of her works to be used on the cards. The image is named “Making Small Talk” and features a father holding his child.

“So many times, we see paintings, pictures and statues depicting mothers holding their babies, but rarely do we see the fathers represented in this same manner,” Bates said. “In this painting, it appears that the man is snuggling the child while whispering something special, and the child is almost holding his breath trying to hear each word.

“My own two sons are my total inspiration for ‘Making Small Talk’ as it specifically applauds them and all fathers who hug, snuggle, cherish, and whisper while making small talk.”

Social workers say that, in a society where change is rapid, it may be more important than ever for fathers to provide their children with interpersonal skills and confidence.

Keith Dillard is glad to be a father who takes an active caretaking role.

“Being a parent is the toughest job in the world,” he said. “But, our children are our future. I feel obligated to do the best I can.”

Keith and Lori Dillard, both in their 40s, have two teenage sons. Dillard said his ideas about how to father were mostly formed by his own parents.

“I’m a Christian, and Christ talks about ‘Bring your children up in the way they should go and they will not depart from that path,’” he said. “That’s what I got from my parents.”

Dillard also believes there is value in family counseling and scientific study of successful parenting.

“The research and the studies are a good thing,” he said “It shows us as parents areas where maybe we can learn and improve.”