What has been the most rewarding part of your work with Leeds Dads?
Most rewarding is seeing the kids grow together as friends, which is marvellous. And in
the same way, many of the dads have bonded and friendships have flourished. What’s
helped to maintain these friendships is the Leeds Dads Night Out, a monthly event that
takes in pool, a rugby match, or a curry – and no kids. The Night Out is getting as
popular as the MeetUp! After having a family, my own social group has changed. I still
like to go out, but knowing that morning duties might begin before 6am, big nights out are
a thing of the past. So it’s good to know there are like minds nearby who are up for a
night out, but not involving a skinful of booze.
What feedback have you had from dads attending the group?
Dads tell me they see the Leeds Dads MeetUp in many different ways. Some say that by
watching other dads and kids play, they learn how to interact with their own children.
Single dads especially see our MeetUps as a way to formalise the time they spend with
their kids. Most common is seeing dads having difficulty understanding their new role in
the family. If mums are breastfeeding or doing the majority of childcare, dads can feel a
bit of a spare part. So by airing some of these thoughts, it helps us to understand that
this is normal, and that there are other ways of offering paternal support.
NCT resources
NCT has launched a brand new set of resources for dads and dads-to-be including
online booklets and a DVD to help them adjust to their role. Dads can use these to help
them handle changes to their lifestyle, and answer the major questions that fatherhood
throws up. http://www.nct.org.uk/professional/diversity-and-access/supporting-dads
There are also some articles written by dads about topics including the early days,
changing relationships, sex after pregnancy, family finances, postnatal depression in
dads etc http://www.nct.org.uk/parenting/dads-view-parenting