FATHERS COUNT COURSE

The ‘Fathers Count Course’ is carried out on a Monday evening for two hours over two weeks. This course creates an opportunity for dads to meet, reflect and discuss their role as dads. The course contents aims to encourage the participants to look at what research say about the importance they as dads play in their children’s lives. It also invites them to look at their positive experiences of being a child and how their dad or a significant male figure in their lives influenced and empowered them as children and as a result help to mould the person they are today.  Dads also compare how different their lives, leisure activities, toys and needs were back then to those of their children in today’s world.   However through discussion it was identified that no matter how things may have changed from then to now the basic human need of an individual either child or adult is the importance of spending time with a person making them to feel special, cared for, valued, respected and loved. Regardless of what material things a child may or may not have if they have parents who spend time with them, getting to know them that this ‘Time Shared’ by a ‘father figure’ is what will stay with the child into adulthood and reflect how they are with their children. 
They look at the differences and recognise the difficulties and demands children face today compared to their childhood years.  They will be encouraged to look at different scenarios and difficulties they as dads may be faces with in relation to their children’s behaviours and needs and supported to identify the abilities, skills and resources they have within to deal with any situation they may be faced with in their parenting role.
Traditionally the mother took over the main role of the parenting while the father went out to work and how this is changing. The reality is which is backed up by research is that children need an equal input from both a male and female adult figure to equip them with the emotional skills necessary to develop into responsible, mature adults is somebody to create a loving home environment. There are some good mothers and some bad mothers there are some good dads and some bad dads. The most powerful message is whoever gives love, affection, guidance and good example to their children are the best parent in the world to their child regardless of their gender.  
When it comes to rearing children, a person’s gender does not make them a good or a  bad parent. What affects the child’s development is much more influenced by whether their parent(s) is warm, affectionate & kind. We should be a model of the type of person we hope our child will be.
We have carried out three of these courses in the Navan area and here is a photo of the dads from St Oliver’s School who attended the course recently.
If you require and more information in relation to this course please contact Shay or Loreto at springboardnavan.ie or 0469078220/ 0860458835
Loreto Martin
Project Development Officer
 
The quotes here are taken directly from the evaluation forms and can be backed up. Only first names are given to protect confidentiality
How would you describe this course to a friend:
Ben
Insightful into how I and others feel as dads
Francis
I thank the organisers for the great joy done for the fathers.
Vigne
I would recommend this course.
Nova
I really enjoyed this course & learned a few good tips and had good fun.
No Name
A chance to talk to other dads- Discover we all share same needs.
Ken
Interesting, provoking, eye opening.
Andy
Informative, eye opening.
Damien
Helping myself to become more understanding to my children
Keith
I think they should give it a try.
Cathal
Stimulating short course that makes you think about positive changes you can make to the way you parent.
Michael
Very open very honest and a good way of learning about yourself
Paddy
Very worthwhile & enjoyable.
Fergus
Very open and informative
Conor
Supportive in that all dads face the same issues or similar issues
Ronan
Very interesting, worth coming to
Des
Very good to hear other dads
Michael
Yes
Pat
Very positive good learning for me. The importance of healthy relationships

Raymond
Enlightening and added to my own skills as a father
Jonethan
Benificial
James
It’s good experience I enjoyed it a lot

Colm
Worthwhile.
Olugrenga
Compulsary course for all dads.
Lamin
Very Useful.
Victor
It is one of important course for a father & father to be.
Gerry
Very good I would tell them to go.
Martin
As good teaching for you and your child
Owen
Good
Patrick
Well worth going to

If you have any comments you wish to add please use this space;____________

Ben
Before doing guided memory should enquire about people’s history ie 3 people lost fathers early. Anger management section v informative.
Francis
This course has enlightened me more. I wish this will continue. I am also thanking the management for the opportunity given me to learn. Thanks once again, keep it up.
Ade
I think we should get handouts for parents to read at home & some tips to follow as a guideline for future purpose.
Nava
I had a chance to interact with other fathers and share their thoughts and the family responsibilities.

No Name
Great response –well done.
Andy
Enjoyed both evenings.
Damien
Should be more courses at an early stage for young fathers
Cathal
I really enjoyed the sharing of experiences and knowledge of the men and the way it was facilitated-well done.
Fergus
The opening session too much time spent on talking about confidentiality
Conor
Course was very interesting and made me think about the roll of dad
Des
Enjoyed the course
Michael
Great cross reference with dads of varies experience/children

James
Very nice people we met at the course.

Colm
Good reflection time
Olugrenga
This course should be organised more often. It is supporting and enable you having more time to love children
Lamin
More of the course should be provided on a regular basis to parents (dads)
Victor
I think that this should be given to the council to post to homes.
Gerry
Thanks you for the course it was very good.