NYC Dads Group in the NY Daily News “Focus Now” Features

The New York Daily News did a features story today on hands-on fatherhood.  Article: OVER-THE-TOP POPS: Gotham’s ‘papa grizzlies’ go above and beyond to keep their kids safe.

In this case, they highlighted examples where dads are so devoted and involved in the parenting process that they keep logs of their babies habits the first few months, sanitize children’s hands frequently when taking public transportation, and worry about taking babies outside in 90+ heat.  Yes, these challenges are certainly similar to those of many parents, not just dads.  We continue to believe “New Dads can be just as a capable and nurturing – and sometimes just as scared – as new moms.”

Now, everyone knows I’m guilty of having an active son that has required stitches on his face on three different occasions during his first four years and as a result have a pediatric plastic surgeon on speed dial.

Sure, the piece brings up dads in the conversation about helicopter parenting (coins it “Black Hawk Dads”), over-protective parenting, and being worry warts.  We believe the bar and standards are always set extremely low for fathers.  Reflecting on this entertaining piece, maybe focusing on “extreme daddying” moves the conversation beyond the bumbling idiot, incompetent dad, or absent father to the dad who is engaged and tuned into parenting with his partner as a team.

I tip my hat to journalist Nicole Pesce for mentioning NYC Dads Group as a “perfect place for dads to ground themselves and for camaraderie” and the pictorial display that supports that fact. You can read the full story here in the online version of the New York Daily News!

Poll: Please share one of your “extreme parenting” stories where you went above and beyond for your kids?

I realize that the results of this recent British study are not going to be groundbreaking, but certainly it is worth noting here. Regular Time With Dad is Key to Kids’ Happiness: Study, by Rosemary Black of the Daily News, focuses on a recent British study of 1,200 children between 11 – 15 years old, and found that “Children who converse with their father “most days” rated themselves 87 out of 100 on a happiness scale, while those who rarely talk to their dads scored a 79. The study results, released by the Children’s Society in Great Britain just in time for Father’s Day, called the findings “highly significant” because research has demonstrated that a person’s well-being later in life has a lot to do with their relationship with both parents during the teen years.”  Like most research, if you scrutinize the process of how it was completed, I am sure you can shoot holes in the research study.

Consequently, I think many of us parents realize that quality time with both parents is ideal because both dads and moms offer their children unique and varying styles of parenting. The article describes in some detail some of the benefits (what the research says) of parenting that fathers and mothers bring to the table.  Specifically, for DAD: “empowering their children and encouraging them to explore and meet new people”…rough and tumble play supports self-exploration…dad is less of a “helicopter” that promotes their kids to figure things out more for themselves.

I know that every child is unique, but I wonder if the findings of the research analyzed in the article explains why my 2 year old son thinks it’s all right to walk way ahead of me in the park or playground and never look back … or maybe it’s because he is a boy … or maybe it is just bad parenting

For first time visitors – Welcome!  NYC Dads Group is a diverse community of almost 250 at-home dads and other active fathers seeking an opportunity to socialize and support each other as they navigate parenthood. Dads and their kids meet at least weekly at various venues around the city including museums, theaters, parks, zoos, indoor play-areas, and parent-and-me classes. The group also organizes meaningful parenting workshops and other enrichment activities for members and their families. This blog is an extension of the group & a DESTINATION offering ALL involved fathers interesting thoughts, relevant news articles, local dad happenings, and playgroup information.

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Today, the Daily News published an article on at-home dads-FROM PAYDAY TO PLAYDATE: Whether By Choice or Because of the Recession, More Dads are Staying at Home With the Kids by Tripp Whetsell. The writer joined the NYC Dads Group at a daddy & me art class event and at a local playground in Union Square to capture the essence of dads hanging out with their kids during the day.  The result is a feel-good story focusing on five of the dads in the group with different career backgrounds.  I can’t say that this is the most in-depth piece you will ever read on at-home dads.  However, the writer does a good job in providing many local families with a window into what our awesome dad-ternity is like, explains some of the rewards and pitfalls of the role, that a dynamic community of dads (with very diverse backgrounds) does exist in New York City, and hopefully, provides another avenue for all involved fathers to find us (even though the writer did not include our site url).   Dads, What are you waiting for? Join us…

Disclosure:  It’s ironic that becoming an at-home dad is what landed me in the Daily News business section…not working in finance for 10 years at major retail corporations – go figure.