Why Parents Groups Are Great For Dads

I am UK dad so this post may be slightly UK specific but I am sure it applies to dads in other countries. It is not always easy for dads to participate in groups because majority of services cater to woman needs and dads often feel intimidated. I hope this can encourage some dads to join in and get involved in groups. Please ignore parts that are UK specific and take what is worth from it instead.I'm writing this post from my own experiences as father who attended baby groups for over 4 years now.People say they love seeing dads involved in child care but to be honest there is some social stigma to being caring, involved dad. Fatherhood is great and taking active part is amazing but doesn't always come across as very "manly". I had people laugh at me for carrying flowery changing bag for my daughter. It is difficult to go there and join in and there isn't many services that take dads needs into the account.Parenting groups like my local Centre are a great place to take your first step. But lets talk about what happens at baby group.Mums are scary!First of all lets address two greatest fears that I feel dads face when going to the group.Nursery Rhymes - Yes you will have to sing and you probably don't know half of them. Here is a secret I'm going to share with you. Nursery Rhymes are designed for kids under 5!If my 4 year old daughter can learn 20 different songs so can you. After a week you will know every song by heart and will surprise your partner at home with that knowledge. Additional you never sing alone. No one will put you on a spot or make a fun of your lack of knowledge. Follow along and you will be fine. I didn't know any nursery rhymes when I started. Being foreigner it's not something you come often unless you have kids.You will be the only dad. It is likely that you will be the only male in a building. You may feel like you are invading some sacred woman ritual and out of place. Quite the opposite all the mums there will think it's sweet you participate and staff are always desperate for dads to join in. They will welcome you with open arms.Here is what you actually getFirst and for most groups are free of charge so you will lose no money or so ever by giving it a go. Even better you may come back with freebies like small book, or snacks for kids.Secondly. Groups are run by professionals, people who know how to keep little monsters occupied. Busy child is a happy child and if you are lucky they will get tired and have a nap when home.Worse case scenario you took them out of a house for an hour or 2 and they enjoyed themselves. You give your SO a break so she can have some time to herself and if you are stay at home dad it also gives you some break. Your kids will play with other kids leaving you alone for few min.Thirdly. If kids are going to make mess you may as well have someone else clean it up. Activities at groups will involve water play, play dough, and all the sticky things that your kid will love to play with. You wouldn't necessarily want them to do that at home.Finally. You are going to meet adults, this maybe your first time in a day you will get to talk to someone at your own level. exchange tips or make friends with people who have kids similar age. Parenting is fun and exciting but it's more fun if you can have someone else to talk to other than your partner.To conclude. I strongly suggest you give it a go see if you and your child like it, go to few different groups and pick something you both enjoy. If you are lucky your centre may have dad group with a male practitioner to reduce the pressure. Not many things in life come free so we should take advantage of those that do.This article post is a transcript from my dad blog via /r/Parenting http://ift.tt/2gIA4pg