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Resources for NYC Dads: Meet-ups, Listservs & Support Groups for Fathers
We don't want to say that dads are the new moms because that sounds like some line you'd see in the ads for that awful new Fox sitcom. But fathers certainly are everywhere you look these days, beaming at ballet class, wiping boogers at the playground, and not just on weekends, either. New York City is definitely a hands-on dad kind of town every day of the week.
But just like moms, dads need support, too, whether just to hang with their peers or something more formal. Here are some great resources for New York City fathers of all stripes.
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NYC Dads Group
The largest organization of its kind in New York City (and perhaps anywhere), this group welcomes all fathers: married, single, gay, straight, working or stay-at-home. Founded as a playgroup in 2008 for fun daddy-child outings, the org now also hosts grown-up events like dads' night out and parenting expert panels. It even offers New Dad Boot Camps for first-time fathers of infants. The org's Meet-up Group organizes activities and the members also collaborate on a blog. NYC Dads Group is also in the process of going national with chapters planned for in Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia and Columbus, Ohio.
NYC Dads: The Mayor's Fatherhood Initiative
Launched in June 2010, this government org's mission is to help local dads become more active in their children's lives. Fourteen different city agencies work together to offer services such as parenting and employment workshops, and reading programs that facilitate family reunification. Even if you aren't in need of these types of services, the org's website has lots of good info including dad survival tips, childproofing tips and how to have the sex talk.
Single Fathers Program
This program welcomes all single fathers, custodial, non-custodial and even grandfathers raising children under the age of 18. Weekly meetings focus on a variety of issues with an emphasis on family management and resolution.
GayBiDads.org
Meetings are held the first Friday of every month at the LGBT Center for gay and bisexual fathers and their supporters. The group also sponsors purely social functions like a summer cook-out, and trips for both dads and kids.
Real Dads Network
This national organization was created to help strengthen families by providing fathers with a support system. In additional to holding free, monthly meetings, and an annual National Daddy/Daughter Dance in NYC.
Fathers Forum NY
This group is brand-new and has yet to hold an event, but its mission is to bring together fathers, grandfathers and male caregivers of children with all types of special needs in the greater New York City area. For more information about upcoming events, email info@fathersforumny.com. This group is also bilingual in English and Spanish, and offers an alternate version of its site.
There are also a handful of local listservs that cater specifically to fathers, like the North Brooklyn Daddy Hui. But these days. most online parenting groups are full of moms and dads. Just google your neighborhood and parents group to find one near you.
