DYNAMIC DADS
Dynamic Dads is a support and education program with a focus on fathers whose children are experiencing mild to significant developmental disabilities or chronic illnesses. The program seeks to strengthen fathers’ relationships and connections to their children and family. The Dynamic Dads program is based on Oakland Family Services' more than ten years of experience and knowledge in providing fatherhood and child development programs. Dynamic Dads uses the Responsible Fatherhood curriculum from the Manpower Demonstration Research Corporation, a nationally recognized evidence-based fatherhood program. In the Dynamic Dads program, fathers attend a 12 week support and education group to learn about child development, relationships, values, communication and conflict resolution. Topics include:
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Fathers have an opportunity to share experiences and ideas with each other about the universal experiences of fathers and the unique challenges and joys of being the parent of a child with special needs. Individual services are also provided, which include procurement of information, and referrals to other services at Oakland Family Services, and to other agencies or organizations. Couples groups are available as mothers are welcome to participate.
Each father and his child may participate in a Lekotek® father-child interactive playgroup where they will discover toys and activities that both accommodate the child’s delay or disability and, in many cases, can improve the child’s developmental skills. The Lekotek® Program is a national program which includes a toy lending library designed especially for children with special needs including delays or disabilities, parent education, disability information, referrals to additional services, help in navigating services, help in advocating for their child, the use of the Lekotek® parent resource library, and connections to other parents. The whole family has the opportunity to use the Lekotek® Toy Lending library.
Parents often feel isolated and alone within their family situations and they need to know they are not alone. Fathers are encouraged to network with each other after formal completion of the program, and Dynamic Dads’ staff remain available as a resource.
What participants are saying about the program…
“The leader is a good communicator and has done an excellent job of applying knowledge of delays, and turning them into positive parenting skills. This program should be mandatory for parents in place of, or to supplement, birthing classes”
“I felt not so alone in my struggles to understand and help my child and myself through the stages of life as we grow as a family. Thanks to you all for helping me change my old behaviors, and learn new ones to start a better life for everyone I love”
“This fathers program has really helped me deal with the behavior problems out of my seven children at my home, and also helped me to become more responsible about their needs”
HOW DO I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS PROGRAM?
For more information on the Dynamic Dads program, please contact Esther Lee at 248.858.7766 ext. 209 or elee@ofsfamily.org.