More fathers should seek parental advice to build better relationships with their children, the Community Services Minister, Christine Campbell, said yesterday.

To mark Fathers Day today, Ms Campbell has urged dads to use phone counselling services, such as Parentline, if they need help.
"Involved fathers who always look for ways to do fathering better are as pivotal in the family unit as the involved mothers who constantly strive to improve their parenting," she said. "There is a need and desire for independent expert information and advice that helps fathers build and consolidate stronger bonds with their children."
Ms Campbell said only 15 per cent of calls to Parentline - Victoria's 24-hour, statewide phone advice line - were from fathers.
But many Parentline advisers were men, and all had counselling training and parenting experience, she said. "What Parentline offers is an easily accessible resource of information, support and counselling, which a father may need to be the best father to his children," she said.
Parentline, staffed around the clock, can be contacted on 13 22 89.

Source: Christine Caulfield, Sunday Herald Sun, 3/9/0