I'm a dad | Bradford Families and Young Persons

As a new dad you will feel excited, but you may also feel left out, unsure or overwhelmed. When everyone’s attention tends to be on mum and baby, it’s common to feel like you’re hovering on the sidelines.

Dads tell us that it can be difficult to ask for help or where to find information for them.

There is support for you!

DadPad

This is the essential guide for new dads, developed with the NHS. It's a practical guide to gaining the confidence and skills necessary to be the very best dad you can be.

Gain the essential mindset and practical skills necessary, even if you have no experience
Low cost, high value resource
Save time by quickly getting to grips with your new responsibility of being a father
Reduce anxiety, become confident to offer the help needed.
Provide the best support you can for the child and mother.

How do I get DadPad?

You can download DadPad as a FREE app to your smartphone or tablet. Tap the App store icon for an Apple device and the Play Store icon for a device that runs Android.

Or, you can order a printed 38-page wipe-clean DadPad for just £12.00

Did you know

We also have some FREE parenting programmes and workshops for dads

HENRY - Becoming a new family

A 2 hour workshop to prepare you for the changes that will take place when becoming a new family. It normalises the range of feelings, looks at expectations of family life and builds confidence and strategies for becoming a new family.

What the session covers

Identify typical changes they might experience when becoming a new parent
Learn that experiencing a wide range of emotions is perfectly normal
Understand how feelings affect behaviour and identify underlying needs
Explore different ways to cope with the changes of becoming a new family

Time Out For Dads

A 6 week programme for dads and stepdads of children ages 0-19

What the sessions cover:

the need and importance of dads
parenting goals and building self esteem
relationships and working out strategies for handling anger and conflict
importance of quality time and parenting styles
setting and maintaining boundaries and managing your child's behaviour
safety issues
issues at home
optional step-families

Find out more

For more information, including our amazing feedback and an online form to apply, please visit the Parenting Programmes page.

Talk to Dad Matters

Dad Matters, via Home-Start Bradford District, can support you right up until your baby is two years old. Whether you're trying to make sense of life with a new baby, you want help to build your relationship with your little one or you're struggling with your mental health, we're here for you.

To get support for yourself, or to refer a family you just need to complete a short online form on the Home-Start Bradford website and the Dad Matters Team will be in touch.

The team will shortly be organising some peer support groups in local community venues as well as offering online sessions, so watch this space!

Help to bond with your baby

We often think that all new babies can do is wee, poo, feed, sleep and cry.

We now know that babies are really amazing, and they are capable of so much more.

Babies are born ready to relate, they need relationships; they learn and develop through relationships; they are interested in and enjoy relationships.

Babies love to look at your face, recognising your smell, and skin to skin contact helps to soothe them.

Talking and singing to your baby is a great way to bond with your baby and is also good for their development. Find a quiet time when you and your baby can focus on each other and use a tuneful, sing-song voice. Try calming stories, songs or music when your baby is quiet, or at bedtime.

For more ideas and activities visit the amazing Ready to Relate website

Online Support

From pregnancy, the birth, supporting your partner, becoming a Dad, worries, top tips and Dad hacks, "Dad Life" from BBC Tiny Happy People has a range of helpful videos to guide you.

Visit BBC Dad Life now