I’m writing this in mid-February. We are slowly coming out of the UK winter, and it also feels that we are emerging, equally, or possibly even more slowly, from our third period of lockdown in the battle against COVID-19. In my mind I have an image of hedgehogs and other wildlife emerging from hibernation, from a deep slumber, as the sun’s arc starts to warm the northern hemisphere once again. But then I was also reminded of St Paul writing to the church in Ephesus with the words:
“Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead,
And Christ will shine on you.”
I recognise that these words are placed in the context of a challenge to live wisely rather than unwisely. They are not mere encouragement and Paul challenges us to make ‘the most of every opportunity’. Indeed, I am convinced that we stand again at a time of great opportunity, to reach out and support fathers and their families through all that we do under the banner of Who Let The Dads Out?
So God bless you whatever your heart and calling towards dads, and we hope you find something in this latest newsletter to equip and encourage you.
Tony
The Who Let The Dads Out? Team
One of the concerns that many dads are feeling at the moment is for their kids and what they can do to look after their children’s wellbeing. And so we’re delighted that in our latest Ramble Video Care for the Family Director, Katharine Hill, introduces her latest book A Mind Of Their Own.
The Dad Cave
Pre-pandemic we put Mark Chester (dad to grown up Meg and Billy) and Stephen Hayes (dad to not so grown up Imogen) in a small dark recording studio, invited a few guests along, and recorded a series of half-hour podcasts on a variety of dad-relevant topics. There are 5 podcast for you to watch, and they are so easy to forward to others. Watch out for the duff dad jokes!
Fatherhood Blog
Are you searching for simple bits of advice or encouragement on the subject of fatherhood? Our parenting blog is a great place to visit. We have blogs on a whole range of parenting topics and a simple search filter to get you to those focussing on dads and fatherhood.
The Research Lab
Dr. Anna Machin’s book ‘The Life of Dad – The Making of the Modern Father’ provides an overview of the many academic studies that have been conducted worldwide in recent years. One section of the book looks at dads preparing to become fathers, and she notes that the work a father puts into bonding with his baby before it is born will see him ‘reap the rewards a thousand fold’ once his baby is born. This is great advice which Mark Chester has expanded on in our You're going to be a dad leaflet.
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