Mark
“As new parents we both worried, was he developing, healthy, were we teaching him the right things? Meeting other Dads helped me trust that we were. We got on and learned as we went.”
The most surprising thing for Mark about going to a playgroup with Dads was how much he got out of it.
“My sons love it. And I learned how to play with my sons! Rather than being cooped up in the house, I was able to get out and play in a different environment along with other Dads. You see what others do and learn games, songs, stories and other tips. Maybe things you wouldn’t have thought of yourself.”
Sylvia said, “I think it’s great that Dads Rock provide somewhere to go just for Dads. I encouraged Mark to go. There are lots of groups for parents but I found most Dads were intimidated when it was mostly mums.
“When I went back to work after maternity leave it was a relief to know they were doing something positive and fun together. It gave him the chance to go and look after Ruari on his own, out of the house.
“It was great for me too. Being a new mum was so all consuming. When the boys went to Dads Rock, it was a chance to get some time to myself again! I also go along to some day trips. Kids love it and we often learn of places we didn’t know about. Dads Rock is so worthwhile for Dads, kids and the whole family.”
Father of two Mark first took his son Ruari to Dads Rock when he was 12 weeks old.
Now Ruari, 5, and his brother Fraser, 2, still go along to playgroup most Saturdays.
That first ever session Ruari slept through but Mark knew straight away he had made the right decision to try out the free playgroup.
He felt welcomed by the Dads Rock team. And Mark had a chance to discuss concerns with other Dads. He said,
“At that point it was great to chat to other Dads. Most of our friends didn’t have kids. As a first time Dad I was still trying to figure out what was going on. Those first few months were exciting and could also be terrifying.”
“Everyone at Dads Rock was easy to chat to. We played with our kids and also helped each other figure things out. It was good to be able to bounce things off other Dads. We could talk about stuff and ask, is this normal? We were all making the same mistakes.”
Mark embraced the chance to share childcare with his wife Sylvia. At first he went to give his wife a couple of hours to herself.
Soon, going along to a playgroup where he could enjoy some father-son time became an important part of his week.
“I was lucky. I had a bit more time to spend with Ruari as I was self-employed then so could be more flexible. I remember sometimes thinking, I don’t really know what I am doing!