EACH morning session starts with indoor play time so dads have a chance to talk ‘dad life’ and bond over a pint of coffee with cake.
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Me and My Dad Playgroup has found a great fit in a new home base at Sebastopol Primary School. The dads have become role models in dads being active and engaged playing with their children and have become part of a larger school community.
For the dads, moving to Sebastopol means they can continue the vital peer support they can offer each other.
London expat Lee Hadden found himself at home with a six-month-old child a day after arriving to set up life in Ballarat – his wife had delved straight into full-time work.
Mr Hadden jumped online and found the group, which helped to ease both the culture shock and adjustment to fatherhood in a foreign country. His eldest child is now in school but he enjoys being still involved in the group with his youngest.
“In the question of balance, as much as the kids get something out of this, it is more so for the dads,” Mr Hadden said. “I moved to the other side of the world four years ago, I was grappling what to do with a baby, but that’s why this playgroup is more for us than the kids.
“I could drive to a public playground and they’d have a lovely time but I would sit on the bench and not talk to anyone. For most of us, this group is transformational.”
One dad quips his wife enjoys the respite. Another travels from Avoca because he felt he did not fit in traditional playgroups. Often, human services will refer young first-time dads to join their ranks for the support.
Me and My Dad started in 2013 but became homeless at the end of last year. Sebastopol Primary and Playgroup Victoria (which has south-west offices based at the school) helped the group find a place.
Children have access to the school’s indoor play yard and outdoor equipment. There are ample art supplies, including Clag – last week’s colourful art works proudly hang on the wall.
Sebastopol principal Michelle Wilson said the school hosted three other playgroups, but Me and My Dad had a different, positive energy.
“It’s a wonderful way to get young families into the school and they can see what we do here,” Ms Wilson said. “My students can also see males spending time playing with young children, really valuing the early years play and education.”
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