My husband has LOTS of friends, but not many around home. He is very involved with our kids, two toddlers 2 yo and 3yo. He is an amazing dad. Recently, I have been getting more involved with Mom's groups, both in our daycare and through our town organization. I am enjoying making the connections, in many ways. However, it doesn't seem like dads have the same outlets. I know my husband would like to get to know other dads in a similar way, but even in today's world, it doesn't seem like there are many outlets for this. My question is, do folks agree with this? Are other dads making such connections at these ages? I am sure as my son gets older, with sports and all, it will happen, but what about these earlier ages?
THanks for any thoughts,
Kim
I do think dad's have a need to connect with other dads - there's nothing like that were I live. How can we fill this void?
check the meetup.com, they have groups for dads, your husband might like
the idea to meet other great fathers through them.
I don't know of men getting together in this way either but you are right that he will have an opportunity to do this with sports...and believe it or not that is really soon. My son is just turning 4 and all of a sudden we are attending more and more birthday parties and sports are starting up. Skiing this winter, next T-ball in the Spring and I can already see that is going to be quite a father's and son's thing. Sounds like you are on the cusp of this...
You could also look into soccer facilities - they have programs for kids around 3 I think. Seems like he'd meet some new dad friends in that setting even now if it is an indoor facility.
My husband still only has friends who are single and have no kids. I wish he could find friends that have kids so they would have more in common, but he is more interested in kidless fun activities. He seems happy with his friends and I don't think he really cares. Even at Little League and other sports and activites my husband takes the kids too, he never becomes friends with the other dads. Maybe your husband could find more family oriented dads though a religous group?
Does he like sports? Guys connect differntly - that's for sure. If he likes to play, check out a BB, Softball, flag football league in the area that he can join... and meet some guys!
In my opinion, I don't think dads need other friends who are dads like moms need other women who understand what we are going through. But if you want your husband to meet some other men, have one or both of your mommy groups plan either an official or unofficial (depending on if it is a specific organization like MOMS Club that has rules about how often you can get together without kids) couples' night out. You can do family picnics on the weekends, too
If you have a mom's group, you can talk with the other moms and maybe organize something all together with the dads?
My husband met most of his "dads" friends through my "Moms" friends, we would organize small halloween parties, birthday parties... with dads invited, so they can connect.
But, when they connect together (dads with dads), I'm pretty sure what they talk about is not diapers and nap schedule.
I agree - people act like men don't need connections, and many men won't admit it would be fun. Or they don't know how to initiate them. Why not organize a pot-luck or progressive dinner with your moms group friends, and have them bring their husbands? You could do one now, and then maybe another mom would do it when the weather gets warm (nothing like a bunch of men around a grill discussing how long to cook the burgers!). If it's pot luck, no one has all the expense. The hosts provide the plates, cutlery & napkins, and everyone else brings the rest. It can be true pot luck, or people can sign up for courses or drinks.
You can also participate in community things like clean-ups or July 4th celebrations where people meet each other.
Good luck!
When i met my wife she had two kids already,daughter was 1yr and her son was 7years old.At the time when i met her i did not have many friends,so i ended up being jack the bear of a whole mess of kids and my wifes kids took me right in as their dad,just being there for the kids was great.I was new in town and there was really nothing for mens group.There are some places like the Elks,this is just a thought,Boy Scouts are always looking for help,you know there is not alot for dads out there,your right.Sorry i could'nt be more help. M. from maine.
I agree, I wish I had something more for my hubbby to do too. He has work friends that he goes out with very rarely, most of them are all single though and not interested in the same sorts of things as him. He grew up in a small farm town and doesn't keep in contact with anyone from growing up. I have lots of girlfriends and we get together and I try to encourage him to make friends with their husbands. My husband is really easy going, but he's not the typical sports guy or beers at the bar kinda guy I feel there is alot of around where I live. I do wish there were more dad meetups and stuff like that....
One of the dads in my moms group invited all of the dads over for a poker night. Maybe have your husband be the first to outreach so he can make his own connections.
I am so glad you asked this question. My Husband stays home and I work full time. He has a hard time with finding things for him and our kids to do just because most things are "mom and me" and he doesnt feel it is appropriate to join a "moms" group. I agree. There are plenty of Dads that love kids but there arent enough"Dads" groups. I have asked him to start one, but he feels wierd asking Dads for phone numbers and play dates. He has met several other stay at home dads, so we know that they are out there. Soon, my older will be in tee ball and cub scouts, so he hopes friendships will be made when these events occur.
THank youfor starting this topic
