What about mums and siblings?
While the focus of the Daughters and Dads program is on the relationship between daughters and their dads/father-figures (and the importance of one-on-one time together), we definitely do not discount the importance of the whole family!
Dads are encouraged to share and implement program content with their partners and take a more active role in establishing improved health behaviours and social-emotional skills for the family as a whole.
The Daughters and Dads program is most effective if the whole family is on board, promoting a culture of health and wellness, and this is where Mums/mother-figures and siblings come in. All family members are encouraged to read through the program resources and speak with both dad and daughter to gain an understanding of what is being learnt each week and how to best support them to complete their home tasks.
Testimonials from past 'Daughters and Dads' mothers:
The best long lasting impact of the program was the parenting tips given to my husband.
I would tell anyone who would listen that I am very grateful the Daughters and Dads opportunity came around when it did, we needed it. You have helped us map out what kind of parents we want to be and what skills we want to equip our daughters with and the skill's to do it. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.
The best impact of Daughters and Dads was an awareness for my husband and I that we need to give teaching gross motor skills to our daughter as great a priority as our sons.
The biggest impact of Daughters and Dads has been what seems to be a closer bond between my daughter and my husband. Its been a beautiful experience witnessing my daughters pure joy in spending meaningful time with her dad and the joy that he has experienced in this process too. From my experience, it seems to have brought the family unit closer together (with all of us at times dong the activities, all of us going for bike rides, setting family traditions and letting the kids have a say in this too). Ironically the program has also bought my son and I closer together (spending quality time together when Daughters and Dads was on, riding our bikes together, going out for dinner with just the two of us etc ) and also has facilitated some beautiful conversations with my daughter about what has been the focus of the week. I cannot speak highly enough of this wonderful program and sincerely thank everyone involved ... it's been inspiring!
