Making Dad Welcome

Newcastle Herald

Monday June 11, 2007

Bonnie Collins

Ushering in more dads helps balance the playgroup equation, says Bonnie Collins.

AS is the developing trend in households these days, men have taken on many of the roles once regarded as women's business.

Increasingly we hear about the stay-at-home dad who kisses his wife goodbye as she heads to work while he attends to endless dirty nappies, squeaky toys and mushy foodstuff.

Studies assure us that these men are still very much in the minority, but a community group based in Woodberry, by setting up a playgroup for dads, is encouraging fathers to have a bigger role in children's early years.

Nearly 20 families attended the first Kids Involving Dads (KIDS) afternoon at Woodberry Primary school on April 2 and they hope to attract even more when the next one is held on June 25.

Cynthia Jenkins, who organised the event, said children from preschool up to year 2 were encouraged to invite their fathers, or a father figure to the two-hour playgroup that included a barbecue, as well as activities that both children and dads could be involved in like ball games and arts and craft.

Cynthia said that parents could sometimes feel confined to the home and simply by sharing information and experiences with other parents they felt less lonely, but dads often needed an extra push.

John Andriunas from the Family Action Group at the University of Newcastle said fathers should be able to share the parenting roles, but it could be daunting for them to go straight into a women's domain such as a playgroup.

John believes the best way to get dads involved is to first offer an environment where they feel comfortable, such as a supported fathers' group offering activities for dads and their children.

From there they could feel more relaxed working alongside women in community playgroups.

Les Watkins attends the Wiggly Wombats playgroup in Hamilton with his daughter three-year-old Maddison and wife Stacey.

A father of three who works from home, Les has been attending playgroups for 12 years.

"It's good watching your children grow and learn," he said "And we get fed well!"

To attend the Woodberry group's second KIDS afternoon on June 25 (the last Monday of the school term) call Cynthia at the Place of Friends community centre on 4964 2174.

Wiggly Wombats meets on a Thursday from 10-noon and has about four dads that occasionally attend.

For more information contact Stacey on 0409 226 342.

© 2007 Newcastle Herald

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