stay at home dad

[rossian]

Hi

I will be shortly moving to a part time position to spend some time looking after my 3 month old twins. After years of full time work its going to be an interesting experience...

Been looking for things to do in the area to get involved and out of the house but perhaps wondered if someone has some advice for good local clubs/events that perhaps more fitting for dad with kids? Also if there were any other dads out there that would be up for a meet during days?

Thanks

[Dodie]

Hi Rossian,

That's really great - I hope you enjoy your time with your little ones! I have two year old twins and my husband looks after them two days a week when I'm at work. Are you in the Dulwich and District Twins Club? They have a lovely twins playgroup on certain Tuesdays of the month. In April, they will start meeting in Peckham Rye Park on Friday mornings for a play, which is always lovely. There are often other dads there to meet up with. See their website www.ddtwinsclub.org. I would also recommend coming to the Ivydale Surestart Centre (Nunhead) twins playgroup on every Thursday morning (term time) from 9.30 until 11.30am.

Good luck! Its hard work when they are little and it can be really hard to get twins up and ready and out to playgroups when they are young but even if you only make it for half an hour, I always found it worth it for the sense of achievement. Particluarly great to make it to twins playgroups because everyone knows how hard it is for you to make it there and they know the unique challenges you face. You can also swap hints and tips. YOu will also meet dads with triplets and that certainly puts things in perspective!

[Mutrik]

Hi, i too would definitely recommend all of the above. Especially meeting up in Peckham Rye Park on Fidays during spring/summer is great.

[Saffron]

Crystal Palace 1o'clock club is brilliant. There are often a good mix of people there, including childminders/nannies, grandparents, and dads. Although even if you happen to go on a day where it's mostly mothers, everyone seems to be friendly and open. The staff in particular and really wonderful. They're so helpful and sympathetic.

There's a small indoor area just for babies, and also when your LOs are a little bigger they have rolling walkers for the outdoor area. Plus there is a grassy area, and when the weather warms up they will put on lots of water play. Possibly most importantly, the coffee is good and reasonably priced! (Lots of parking spaces too.)

You don't need to book in advance. It's not expensive, and you don't have to worry about turning up "on time". You can come and go any time during the session. Check the website for more info. http://www.mytimeactive.co.uk/leisure/leisure-centres/one-o-clock-club/default.aspx

Then you're only a short walk from the CP park cafe, and a stroll round the lake in the buggy when your LOs are sleepy. xx