Staff attitudes
The approach of staff is critical in creating an environment where dads are treated with respect, feel comfortable and gain enjoyment.
Whilst many staff may be enthusiastic about working with dads a few may be ambivalent, negative or even hostile. All staff need to be trained to understand the importance of engaging dads and their role in generating a welcoming, friendly and respectful atmosphere for dads. One Bookstart co-ordinator pointed out that a negative glance or abrupt response can be enough to convince a dad never to return to the setting.
It is important that all staff are in tune with how things are done in the sessions as consistency will inspire the confidence of dads. Consideration needs to be given to making the setting visually exciting, physically comfortable and where possible offer access to other play activities, such as water, sand or craft opportunities. As dads become more relaxed and get to know the staff as trusted people they will seek information and advice about a range of issues and are often signposted to other services and this broadens the impact of the service for children and families and promotes partnership working. Staff also need to be able to adapt their approach to the needs of the group members, for example, some parents can initially feel nervous about attending groups or worry that their children will misbehave and cause them embarrassment. Staff need to be skilled at supporting dads and mums in these situations in a way that is not patronising and recognises that, with their own children, parents are the experts. Helping the children settle and intervening early and sensitively to maintain children’s engagement provides reassurance for the dads and raises their confidence in attending the sessions.
The personality and style of the person leading the session is also central to success. It is important to be flexible and adaptable, to be responsive to the group and to adapt session plans to provide activities that maximise enjoyment and engagement of the babies, children and dads. Above all the sessions must be fun for everyone and the leader must transmit the sense of fun and pleasure they are getting from taking part. It is also important that the leader can show that mistakes can be made or things can go wrong and everyone can laugh about it because this promotes a relaxed atmosphere and group cohesion.
Therefore, the key ingredients of success that staff need to focus on are:
- Offering dads and children an experience that is of high quality and making sure there is a positive atmosphere so that everyone has fun and wants to come back next time.
- Having session leaders who are confident, skilled and sensitive to the needs of both dads and children in the groups.
- Creating an inclusive and respectful environment which breaks down any tendency for cliques to develop.
- Using a welcoming and visually attractive location and running sessions at times dads are able to attend.