[cryptic]

Hi

My DS's family day carer is going overseas for 5 months and my lovely DP has agreed to stay home with our 18-month old as I can't get any more time off work.

He is really looking forward to it but we are both a bit worried about how isolating he might find being at home. Does anyone know of any Dad's play groups in inner west Sydney?

TIA

Karen

[Paul]

Hi,

Please PM me and let me know where in the west your are. I am part of a SAHD's group but so far there is only two of us (LOL) but happy to bring on a third, we just go out to shopping centres, play places for the children.. Nothing too special.


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[cryptic]

Hi Paul,...I'm PMing you now. Good to hear there are some other SAHD's around the area

Also, Vik_sen thanks for telling me about the playgroup in Dulwich Hill. If you see a shy and bemused looking Dad turn up there in about 4 weeks time please be kind to him

The Magic Yellow Bus is a great idea too.

[linnieloo62]

Hi Karen

Just wanted to let you know (and also Paul & friend, and any other SAHD's who might read this thread) that there is also a Dads group operating in Cronulla.

A little out of the way from the inner west, but maybe you guys could make a special day of it every now and then

The group is called Dads at Home (DAH), and meet in the Child and Family Health Centre, 3 Nicholson Parade at Cronulla, fortnightly, on a Tuesday. The next meeting is Tuesday 17 May 10-12.

There are no costs involved-it's free. The group is supported by the Sutherland Child & Family Health Services.

All dads with underage school kids are welcome, whether you are a full time or part time SAHD, or a dad that works shifts, or even just have a day off that day!

Their time usually goes -

Firstly a quick presentation from a speaker-a few previous topics have been feeding issues, dental care, mens health, sleeping issues, first aid, time management.

Then there is morning tea provided, and that is followed by a play in the park right outside at Gunnamatta Park. This park overlooks a sandy tidal bay where little ones can dig and paddle (about 20 metres to waters edge) and there is a Council playground. It really is a pretty spot

I know all this because my DP is a SAHD at present, and he attends

I make every effort to publicise this group as I reckon it is a great support network for the fella's

You can just show up, or you can call James 9521 3478 for more info!

**edited to add** I love the idea of the Magic Yellow Bus Wish our Council had this service! Brilliant idea.

Lynn

This message was edited by linnieloo62 on Thursday, 12 May 2005 @ 9:24 PM

[dadathome]

Klee

I'll third MYB - I'm back at work 4dpw, but still try and take my
DS on Fridays. Was off last year, and took him a couple of
times a week.

There's usually 6-8 dads around (not necessarily always the
same ones, but there seems to be more and more) on Mon
and Fri at least, and it's pretty friendly if you're open to saying
hi (not just to the dads...).

Ben, one of the staff, is also trying to start a dads group (not
necessarily just SAH), perhaps meeting on weekends.

I also took my DS to a Weds PM playgroup at Summer Hill
Community Centre (the timing didn't always work), and I've
heard mums and dads recommend a Monday morning one
at Lewisham Public School.

Cheers

Kent