The internet is great, but I’m wondering if anyone belongs to a local SAHD group. What are the pros/cons and do you find it worthwhile to meet with SAHDs in person?
Do you belong to a local SAHD group?
Lin Oma Dads For Me
I have been a part of the LinOma Dads here in Omaha since I moved to Omaha Nebraska in June of 2006. There had been an article written about the group and the local multiples group forward the information onto me while I was still in Southern California before finally moving here. I quickly got involved with the Dads Night Out each month and when my twins gave up their morning nap, I was able to take them to participate in the various weekly play groups. It provided a place for my twins to meet other kids and discover new toys to play with and it allowed me to meet fellow dads who were staying at home taking care of their children like I was. It was there I found out as well about the National At Home Dads Convention as well as Daddy's Home INC. I have further gotten involved with Daddy's Home INC and still do my best to help plan the monthly Dads Night Out for the LinOma Dads.
Robb, Member Lin Oma Dads
Central/Midwest Regional Coordinator
Daddy's Home INC - The National At-Home Dad Network
I'm a member of KCDADS and I
I'm a member of KCDADS and I do love it. A bunch of guys going through the same things that I go through and it gives me an outlet to discuss those things. there are some things you just want a guys opinion on. We have grown very close over the last 4 years and our wives are a part of it as well. They plan wife night out as much as we do dad's night out. This gives them a chance to offer eachothersupport as well. It's very unique what we all do and it's great being able to share with other guys. We meet weekly for playgroup and have a dads night out once a month.
As far as cons: I'm not really sure if there is a whole lot for me. I suppose it can be tough to get everyone to agree on a place to go on Dads night out, but at the end it's still beer and someone not kicking you in the junk, so at leaas+t that is good.
To find out what we do, visit our blog at http://kcathomedads.blogspot.com/
I havent' updated it for our summer stuff yet but it should give you an idea of what dad's groups do.
Joining an at-home dad group is a must
Joining an at-home dad group is a must. Meeting other at-home dads will help you realize you are not alone and you can create a bond with a great group of caring fathers who will not judge you or think you're doing "woman's work" by changing diapers and doing laundry.
The best resource for local groups is on our Corporate website, www.daddyshome.org. Click the city on the left nearest you. If you don't find a group there, start one up! Lots of great advice under 'Group Support' on how to start a successful At-Home Dads group. And, don't forget to come to the 16th Annual At-Home Dads Convention in Washington DC on October 8! For more info, visit our convention website at www.athomedadconvention.com.
Al Watts President, Daddyshome, Inc. - The National At-Home Dad Network www.daddyshome.org
Go For It
In 1994 one at-home dad talked with another at-home dad, then another, then another..... several playgroups were formed.
In 1995 the At-Home Dad Convention debuted in Chicago. Next year will be the !7th in a row.
Daddyshome, the convention and this forum are available today because one at-home dad invited another to hang out with him.
Keep On Daddying,
Hogan Hilling, 21 Year Veteran At-Home Dad, Daddyshome Board Member At-Large
Start a group
jacobasawyer, here is a link to all the info you need to start your group in Arkansas: http://www.daddyshome.org/start_a_new_group.php. You can also contact the Midwest Regional Coordinator, Robb Tavill, or our Chapter Coordinator Chairperson, Jim O'Dowd. I guarantee you there are other at-home dads out there. All you have to do is get the word out. We'll help!
Al Watts President, Daddyshome, Inc. - The National At-Home Dad Network www.daddyshome.org
Only Mom's Groups exist here...
Only Mom's Clubs here and I've been told outright by one of them (actually she probably meant it somewhat jokingly) that she liked seeing me around but enjoyed it much more when my wife was the SAHM.
Ironically, in a weekly group music class, the Dad's equal the Mom's as far as the SAH person. If we all didn't live on opposite sides of town there might be a promising start to something but I don't think it's a reality now.
Other than the music class, within the other frequented circles of the month, I am the only Dad. I have become OK and well adjusted to the reaction and treatment of the 99% of Mom's.
Oddballs
We regularly go to the public library, sign language classes, and other daytime group things. The odd part is, since I'm the only dad in attendance, I get interviewed by the local news disproportiately often. Somehow, the interviewer tries to fit in the question: If the economy gets better, will your kids go to daycare? I used to explain that I voluntarily chose to teach nights so I could stay home with the boys; now I just say "no".
Nope. I've found evidence of
Nope. I've found evidence of groups that were started but seems like they never really got going. But I haven't found anything for dads currently up and running. No shortage of mom groups but I don't feel welcomed. My son and I go to all the play groups and such at the library but frankly I think the moms feel like we are invading on their "girl" time. No one talks to me and they seem to assume that my very calm, vary gentle son is going to be rough with thier kids. Anyway.... we need to get out of the house more often so I'm thinking about trying to pull something together myself. One of the reaons I've decided to get active onthis forum.
Start a group!
Definitely, start your own group! I am sure there are lots of at-home dads in your area if you start putting the word out about your group. Check out our resources site at www.daddyshome.org under "Group Support" for all the help you should need and make sure you register your group with us too.
Where are you, by the way? Other guys here may be in your area.
Al Watts President, Daddyshome, Inc. - The National At-Home Dad Network www.daddyshome.org
Joined: 2011-08-20
Dad Points: 7