New classes for hands-on dads

WITH Father’s Day just around the corner the City of Greater Dandenong is celebrating the role dads play in the community.
The City of Greater Dandenong offers a free seven-week program to new parents focusing on feeding, settling, play and development.
Children, youth and family services manager Pamela McKimm said the program, formerly known as mothers group, had been renamed to reflect the role fathers play in the upbringing of their children.
“The new name – baby parenting groups – came about after more and more fathers expressed an interest in learning about the important skills and strategies required to cope with a new baby,” she said.
“The modern-day dad is expected to be much more involved in the day to day care of a new baby.
“The council’s maternal and child health team is very aware of this cultural shift and works with families to help them to explore their new role.”
Dad’s CPR and Safety sessions are also held every two months at Bunning’s warehouse.
During these sessions dads and grandfathers can learn some essential first aid skills: Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, and what to do if your baby is choking.
The next session will be held on Monday, 14 September, at 6pm at Bunning’s warehouse, on the corner of Princes Highway and Gladstone Road.
For more information and bookings phone the council’s early parenting education co-ordinator on 9767 0812.