Examples of Activities
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to engaging dads.
The important thing is to show that a dad's role in children's lives is valued and recognised and that they are supported to develop a love of sharing books together:
- Some dads will be attracted to groups that are specifically for them eg See Belfast Case Study
- Some libraries have been successful in running Rhymetime sessions directed specifically at dads and others in attracting large numbers of dads and mums to their sessions. See Luton, Milton Keynes and Slough case studies
- Family learning approaches are successful in engaging both parents and children in their courses. See Cornwall and Sheffield case studies
- Some dads are more likely to attend one-off events such as Fathers Day activities or five-a-side football tournaments. See Cornwall and Sheffield and also Giving it a go
- Some dads are more comfortable attending groups or activities with their partners. See Sheffield case study
- In Milton Keynes a fortnightly session with a young parents group has attracted big numbers including quite a few dads. Sheffield Bookstart are working with both parents at a drug rehabilitation project, with groups of families threatened with eviction and parenting groups run by health visitors, social services and voluntary sector organisations. In Slough the Bookstart co-ordinator is actively engaged with a wide range of groups including Gypsy and Travellers.
- In some parts of the country Bookstart is working with dads who are in prison. See StoryBook Dads