Week 2 Psychology with Charlie

Week 3 Mark Williams perinatal mental health

Week 4 Matt Torfaen libraries and Nutrition

Week 5 - Relationships. Sheree and Paul suicide awareness and 111 option 2 info

Week 6 child and infant first aid

Week 7 - target session and practical taster

Week 8 gambling smoking & vaping. Addictive personalities

Week 9 Circle of Security with Gareth and Charlie.

Week 10 - finale. Celebration with you dads and networking

Firstly Follow Torfaen Early Years on Facebook and Instagram

Follow Sports Development on Facebook, Instagram and X

Please regularly comment on our posts, tag friends and share our posts to help spread the word and help other Dads.

Acts of Kindness and Support in Dad Groups

1. Checking in: Sending a text or encouraging message to see how someone’s doing, especially before a big day.

2. Offering empathy: Letting a dad know he’s not alone when he’s struggling.

3. Listening: Offering a listening ear when another dad needs to talk.

4. Running errands: Offering to pick up groceries or run errands for a busy or overwhelmed dad.

5. Giving lifts: Providing a lift to and from group meetups or when a dad’s car is out of commission.

6. Car help: Helping out when a dad’s car has broken down.

7. Childcare swaps: Babysitting each other’s kids for a break or a date night.

8. Swapping baby items: Bringing in unused nappies, clothes, or baby gear that their kids have outgrown.

9. Furniture exchange: Offering baby furniture or items no longer in use.

10. Errands and tasks: Helping out with odd jobs like lawn care, assembling furniture, or moving heavy items.

11. Asking 'How are you?' twice on our weekly walks.

Group Activities and Meetups

12. Couch to 5K: Organising a running or walking group to build fitness together.

13. Coffee meetups: Arranging casual coffee mornings for dads to socialise.

14. Mental health chats: Offering to chat with dads who might be struggling with their mental health.

15. Hikes and canal walks: Organising group hikes or scenic canal walks for fitness and connection.

16. Gym sessions: Setting up group gym meetups or fitness challenges.

17. Pub visits: Hosting social pub meetups for relaxation and bonding.

18. Play session meetups: Arranging meetups at local play sessions for dads and their children.

19. Football nights: Organising group nights to watch the football together.

Sharing Resources and Advice

20. Podcast recommendations: Sharing podcasts you’ve enjoyed that offer value or entertainment.

21. Book recommendations: Offering book suggestions that you’ve found helpful or inspiring.

22. Parenting hacks: Sharing tried-and-tested parenting tips and strategies with the group.

23. Baby equipment experiences: Discussing and swapping advice on baby gear and what works.

24. Local events: Sharing details of family-friendly local events or activities.

25. Tech advice: Swapping technology tips, whether it’s troubleshooting or recommending apps.

26. Financial advice: Offering help with budgeting, saving, or navigating family finances.

27. Freebies and discounts: Sharing discount codes, freebies, or deals that could benefit other dads.

28. Business services: Offering discounts on services that dads in the group might find useful.

29. Fantasy football league: Creating a group fantasy football league for some fun competition.

Building Community and Accountability

30. Accountability partners: Pairing up for mutual support in achieving goals—whether fitness, parenting, or personal.

31. Congratulating and engaging: Actively replying in the group, congratulating dads on their achievements, and commenting on their posts.

32. Asking for advice: Encouraging openness by asking for advice from other dads in the group.

33. Family-friendly day trips: Organising family-friendly day trips to local attractions, play parks, or events.

Comforting methods can help

It’s OK to walk away

Never, ever shake a baby

Speak to someone if you need support such as your family, friends, midwife, GP or health visitor.

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Reflection:

As dads, this video reminds us just how crucial our presence and emotional engagement are, not only when our children are young but as they grow. Even brief moments of unresponsiveness can create anxiety in our children. When we’re present and responsive, we help them feel safe, loved, and understood.

Take a moment to reflect: How do we show up for our children emotionally? Are there moments where we might be unintentionally disengaging, perhaps because of stress, distractions, or other pressures? How can we become more intentional in our interactions to create a nurturing, emotionally safe environment for them?

You will learn:

• What your baby picks up, even before they are born.

• Why stress should be a shared burden.

• How you and your partner can support each other.

• How to talk to bring up difficult topics.

• How arguments start, and how to stop them.