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This September , as we celebrate Father ’ s Day , Riverstone Neighbourhood Centre ( RNC ) would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge all the fathers and father figures in our community ! From new fathers to grandfathers , from step-fathers to guardians and carers , we would like to say a huge thank you !
Being a father comes in all shapes , sizes , meanings and roles , but the role you play in your family ’ s lives is significant and special .
Parenting is no easy gig with social media so prominent . Our children and young people struggle with learning and engaging in the once ‘ normal ’ and expected social activities and milestones we reach as we grow . Within this challenging context , the role of fathers and male role models becomes ever more critical .
Yet , despite the endless ‘ how to ’ guides and experts , we often hear dads and male carers tell us how hard things can be , how selfless they need to be and how , at times , thankless the role can be .
Despite this , we strive to work with and support our male leaders to continue being the amazing influencers they are . Why ? Because evidence tells us that individuals who are engaged and supported have a big impact on a child ’ s development , across all domains .
Dads who play with and care for their children in the early years of life allow secure and strong emotional attachments to be made . This impacts social skills and ability to engage with others . These benefits can carry through to adulthood dads to create improved interpersonal skills , and evidence suggests less conflict with their wives and partners .
Dads who play , create pretend game and read with their children enable improved development for language skills and vocabulary , showing improved results in maths and literacy by the age of 10 and 11 . We value the wisdom and knowledge of our local fathers and father figures . However , men in general can have a big impact , not just as dads but also as male role models and mentors .
In fact , in an initiative we ran last year , the Wheelie Mates Project , we harnessed the skills of male role models and connected them to local high school students . This group put their skills and talents to good use by building a near life size replica of the wheel from the popular tv game show , Wheel of Fortune , which was donated to the residents of Quakers Hill Nursing home .
We also saw the team recycle and repair unused bicycles and donate them to people facing homelessness . The number of one-parent families in Australia has been increasing since 1976 , according to the ABS ( 2016 ), so male role models are important . We also offer a Men ’ s Shed and Community Garden which attracts many local fathers . It ’ s a space for men to connect with like-minded men and increase their social network , whilst taking some well-deserved time to themselves .
RNC works hard to ensure that local fathers , grandfathers , uncles , carers and friends have access to all the tools necessary to create a happy and safe home for their loved ones . Our aim is to continue father-inclusive practice .
You can be part of our journey , by sharing ideas on new ways to engage dads , or if you ’ re a dad yourself and wish to see something specific offered in the community then we want to hear from you ! So , we are hosting an opportunity where you can have your say !
Join us on our quest of ‘ Building a Stronger Community Together ’
YOUR VOICE : What do our dads and men want and need in our community ? Email mrozzoli @ riverstone . org . au with some ideas during the month of August and go in the draw to win a $ 100 gift voucher !
If you would like to connect with Riverstone Neighbourhood Centre call 9627 3622 , email reception @ riverstone . org . au , find us on Facebook @ riverstoneneighbourhoodcentre or visit us online at www . riverstone . org . au
16 ISSUE 135 // AUGUST 2021 theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT