The spaces for dads are few and far between, but they are growing. My husband is part of a Gaming Dads Facebook group. It's predominately Brits, Aussies, and a few Americans with some other countries represented too. Occasionally, I'll peek over his shoulder at the conversations. These fathers are all supporting each other, affirming, pointing each other toward beneficial resources and sometimes giving each other the needed kick in the backside.
Having co-ed parenting places is important, but dad-only places are vital. Sometimes dads won't share or be vulnerable unless it's just other dads. And as a mom, I know sometimes we women unintentionally hog the parenting airtime.
What a delight, to see features on Kevin’s work in two of my favorite newsletters this week! Forwarding along to the dad-led space leaders I know, and those who need them.
Related: we also had a “[Neighborhood Name] Moms Group” reckoning around re-naming recently, because a pair of gay dads had just moved to the ‘hood, and many wanted to include them, while others privately worried they could no longer talk about things like borrowing breast pumps or donating unused sitz bath supplies, or that men would dominate discussions. In the end it was quietly re-branded as “Parents” instead of “Moms” by the admins, and the dads who have been added since then are respectful and kind when they contribute. So far so good!
Thank you! I think there SHOULD be private spaces for women to talk with one another and for birthing people to sharing their experiences. Just like I think there should be private spaces for fathers to help one another and for queer parents to connect. But we can be intentional about what we make, how we draw those lines, and what we gain or lose by limiting who's inside them. Glad to hear the change has worked so far for your neighborhood group.
The spaces for dads are few and far between, but they are growing. My husband is part of a Gaming Dads Facebook group. It's predominately Brits, Aussies, and a few Americans with some other countries represented too. Occasionally, I'll peek over his shoulder at the conversations. These fathers are all supporting each other, affirming, pointing each other toward beneficial resources and sometimes giving each other the needed kick in the backside.
Having co-ed parenting places is important, but dad-only places are vital. Sometimes dads won't share or be vulnerable unless it's just other dads. And as a mom, I know sometimes we women unintentionally hog the parenting airtime.
What a delight, to see features on Kevin’s work in two of my favorite newsletters this week! Forwarding along to the dad-led space leaders I know, and those who need them.
Related: we also had a “[Neighborhood Name] Moms Group” reckoning around re-naming recently, because a pair of gay dads had just moved to the ‘hood, and many wanted to include them, while others privately worried they could no longer talk about things like borrowing breast pumps or donating unused sitz bath supplies, or that men would dominate discussions. In the end it was quietly re-branded as “Parents” instead of “Moms” by the admins, and the dads who have been added since then are respectful and kind when they contribute. So far so good!
Thank you! I think there SHOULD be private spaces for women to talk with one another and for birthing people to sharing their experiences. Just like I think there should be private spaces for fathers to help one another and for queer parents to connect. But we can be intentional about what we make, how we draw those lines, and what we gain or lose by limiting who's inside them. Glad to hear the change has worked so far for your neighborhood group.
Yes, so perfectly put!