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Dads Plus | ParentTalk | ParenTeen | ParentWise
DadsPlus
Research has clearly shown that fathers are emotionally significant to children and that quality of the relationship with the father appears to be important for children's cognitive and emotional development Bartlett and Plows (1997).
DadsPlus has the aim of improving the children's well-being by promoting lasting and healthy connections between them and their fathers. It is a space to reflect on the meaning of being a father, and develop parenting skills and confidence.
The father's group seeks to give men greater understanding of - and support in- their role as carers of children. We take the perspective that most fathers have the desire, capabilities and sense of obligation to care effectively for their children.
The main aims for the group are as follows:
- To enhance fathers' understanding of the developmental and emotional needs of their children and to promote learning specific skills, knowledge and attitudes that foster competence and nurturing parenting.
- To create a reflective and supportive environment for fathers to address the personal and social issues which influence parenting and family relations in general.
Some of the areas for development identified by the fathers are:
- To discuss and learn how to help the children to grow confident and happy with themselves.
- To review family patterns and reflect on the usefulness of keeping them or changing them in the present context.
- To increase confidence in being a parent, and to re-kindle hope for the future
Some of the Topics covered: Keeping your Cool, How to re-connect with your teenager, Talking and Listening, Becoming a more confident and optimistic parent
What parents say about ParenTeen:
'It didn't come naturally to me- I had to learn how to look after my teenagers'
'Being with other parents - you realise you are not alone'
'When you are going through hell - just keep going!'