Last week Family Start Manukau celebrated their involvement with dads in the run up to Fathers' Day with two key events
If you thought Fathers' day was all about gracefully receiving socks, then think again. Last week Family Start Manukau looked at all things dad to get the message across to the guys - you're important, you're capable and your family needs you.
Tuesday FSM played host to a great public lecture alongside the Father and Child Trust and Great Fathers, that looked at the importance of having dads involved. Dave Owens from Great Fathers noted that when a dad picks up his baby, just like mums he is subject to a wave of positive hormones to help him bond and develop a sense of intuition with his child. Owens noted that the outcomes for children with two actively involved parents are much better, and that we should be encouraging men to embrace fatherhood with vigour.
Brendon Smith from the Father and Child Trust urged men to look after themselves, and their partner. He noted that post-natal depression occurs in 1 in 25 Kiwi men, according to the Growing Up in Auckland study, and also that outcomes for mums with PND are much better when dad is involved. Our very own David Ringrose also gave an engaging talk about empowering men to be good fathers, noting that building confidence and acceptance is key to success. The door is always open to dads who want to engage with Family Start Manukau's services, just drop us and email to find out about our Incredible Years parenting course, our Father's for Families dads course and the fathers drop-in support group.
David Ringrose, Dave Owens and Brendon Smith
If that wasn't enough dad-related action, FSM joined up again with the Father and Child Trust, Great Fathers, the guys from Man Up and representatives from Auckland ADHB for a Fathers' Day expo at Friendship House, Manukau.
"I'm here to impress the importance of good mental health services for men in Auckland," said supporter and clinical psychologist Suresh Kumar. "I work for the ADHB but I have a special interest in men's mental health and making sure they have access to support services."
"It's great to see these men's groups coming together to encourage more men, particularly dads, to step up," said David Ringrose from FSM. "There is support available here, they just need to ask."