Jonathan Hamilton and his son, Makai, enjoy father-son time with a little soccer practice.
Moms have an overwhelming amount of information tailored to them, but modern dads are taking a much more active role in parenting.
Leigh Goddard, the Fatherhood Program Coordinator at Child Development Resources recommends education as a great way to know what to do.
Investing in Fatherhood New Pathways Program
“As part of the Investing in Fatherhood New Pathways program, we have a Rookie Dads classes for expectant dads here at Sentara and at Riverside in Newport News. Before we started Rookie Dads, there were programs around the Peninsula, for grandparents, moms, even introducing your pet to new baby… but nothing for dads until we started this,” said Goddard.
She calls it “the everything you wanted to know about fatherhood but were afraid to ask” class. She said that men really open up. “When you get them in this atmosphere, they do share and ask the tough questions. It’s great camaraderie, and they get a lot out of it.”
Labor and delivery nurses say they can tell when dads have taken the class.
“They’re more confident, changing diapers, calming and swaddling baby,” she said. “Prior to class, they admitted ‘this is scary,’ but after hands-on instruction and mentoring from a Certified Fatherhood Specialist, they feel better,” Goddard said.
The program also includes 24/7 Dad classes, which provide more in depth information on topics such as what it means to be a father, child development and growth, effective discipline, how to balance work and family, raising a child and maintaining a healthy relationship. There’s no age limit for this program.
Goddard said that many parenting issues come up over time.
“There can be big issues like finances, divorce, co- parenting difficulties, and it’s important to have support. This program has three full time fatherhood consultants, who mentor, coach and suggest referrals to other organizations to help dads find their way. They are experienced in parenting but bring different perspectives,” she said.
“It’s for anyone. People can self-refer, or be referred by others. The Fatherhood Program is for fathers and father-figures from all incomes and backgrounds. All kinds of dads can benefit,” Goddard said.
CDR’s Fatherhood Program is supported with funds from VDSS’s Grant for Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention and a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children & Families.
