Dad groups in Dulwich?

[Big Jim]

I've just started looking after my 8 month old daughter full time and was wondering if there are any groups for dads in Dulwich? There seem to be plenty of mother and baby groups but nothing much aimed at us dads. Any suggestions?

[lorraineliyanage]

I saw a leaflet for a dads' group at the Albrighton Centre which used to be by Sainsbury's, but I'm not sure if they are renovating the place.

[Cora]

I know Surestart are really keen to involve dads in things...contact Pam at Surestart she would be organising any Surestart dads groups and would let you know of any other groups in the area.

[emc]

I saw a notice in Dulwich Library which I think was about a dads meet up locally - if you call the library am sure they will tell you more info.

[Vickster]

Hi Big Jim

My husband looks after our 14 month old son every Friday. PM me if you fancy meeting up with him at the swings etc.

Victoria

[Pickle]

Hi there,

My husband is at home for the summer and I'm sure he'd also be keen to meet up with our two children (I'd like it too, means I get to stay at home without husband or kids!!).

[raybetts]

Hi. I am a regular of 'Dads and Littleuns' a group of dads that meet at the Kings College Griffin Sports Ground in Dulwich Village every Friday. The entrance is almost opposite the C of E Infants School, towards Red Post Hill. Someone is normally there at about 10.30 am and we usually wrap it up at about 12.00 or 12.30 pm. The dads contribute ?2.00 per session and there are toys for the kids and tea, coffee and sometimes even biscuits for the dads. Its a nice informal group, and you would be most welcome to come along. Occasionally some of the dads meet up at other times or head to the park for lunch too.

[Big Jim]

Thanks for all the advice - Dads and Littleuns sounds like a great idea. Handy for the Dog too - purely from a 'somewhere to go for lunch' point of view, of course :). Raybetts, can I just turn up or do I need to book?

[littleEDfamily]

If only there were more combined groups. No offence to you mums out there, but it's nice to have a mixed group at least some of the time. It's gret when the Dads come along to the music groups etc instead of mums. Just creates a nice balance!

[fuzzyboots]

@littleEDfamily

Couldn't agree more. When we have dads in our Sing and Sign classes it really beefs up the singing and the atmosphere's definitely different. Maybe it helps that we've got a specific thing/activity to concentrate on? It's also absolutely fascinating, when mums and dads alternate attendance at classes, or come together, to see how differently their children behave with each parent!

At one stage, my Saturday morning toddler class had 10 dads and 2 mums. It was wild (and great fun)!

Trish/Fuzz

[Big Jim]

@littleEDfamily - a specific mixed group would be great so why don't we set one up? PM me if you'd be interested (and anyone else for that matter).

@Pickle / Vickster - I'm planning on going to Dads and Littleuns this week so why don't you send your husbands along as well. Then I won't be the only newbie :)

[Pickle]

My little ones go to Little Bubbles on a Friday morning, so that timing doesn't work for us - that's a shame. Will keep an eye out on this thread though and let Mr Pickle know if there's anything else planned.

[fringe]

Big Jim,

I'm going to try and make it to Dads and littleuns with my 10 month old for the first time myself tomorrow so hopefully you won't be the only newbie there!

[ratty]

I'm a stay at home Dad every Wednesday!

[littleEDfamily]

Great idea - let's do it. Although my daughter is a bit older (2.5), and have never been to a truly mixed age group. I suspect parents with younger babies would prefer to hang with people going through the same as they are.

An idea for the summer may be to have a regular fixture at the Horniman sandpit on sunny days???? We can tout it as a Dad's meeting with mums welcome (it's normally the reverse!)?

My hubby may be around next Friday, and so he will probably come to Dads and little 'uns! I love the idea of all these enlightened men hanging out together. Very cool.

[Cora]

Just found this on the lateset Surestart newsletter - might be of interest...

'Children's centres in Camberwell and Dulwich have commissioned Working with Men, a charity specialising in services for men, to provide more support and services for dads.

Tiny Gym is a free play gymnastics session for under fives held every Wed at Camberwell leisure centre.

On Saturdays Time Out with Dad hosts lots of fun activities including music sessions, story telling, arts and crafts etc..

If you wold like to have a say in othere services and actiivities for fathers with children under five please contact David Frazier on 02 07 635 2200 or 0207 7277 3840.

Dads are of course welcome at all our other sessions.'