Chats, coffee, and babies are the order of the day at the Beaches latest Dad’s group
There’s a growing number of dads who meet each weekend, babies and toddlers in tow, for a simple walk, talk and a coffee. On Saturday morning, you’ll find them at North Curl Curl, and on Sunday morning, Manly. The group is called Dad Steps, and since it was established in January, member numbers on the Dad Steps Facebook page have grown to over 600.
Dad Steps was founded by James Dressler-Smith, father to 14-month-old Noah. James, from North Curl Curl, was out with Noah one weekend when he started chatting to another dad who was with his newborn baby. They were both waiting to collect their take-away coffees. “I said, ‘Mate, I’m going for a walk, why don’t you join me?’ We ended up walking for a bit and we chatted,” James says. “At the end of the walk (the other dad) opened up about how much it had helped him.”
James had been impacted too. “I didn’t realise how much I needed that,” he says of the chat, and spurred on, James searched online for a dad’s support group. He couldn’t find one, so he ‘created a group to go on a walk, have a coffee and a chat’ – Dad Steps.
It started with a simple flyer, which he posted in the Northern Beaches Community Facebook page, inviting dads to meet on weekend mornings for a walking club. From there James started a Dads Steps Facebook and Instagram page, describing the group as a way to ‘give dads a simple space to connect with other dads. No pressure, no expectations – just getting outside, walking with their children and having conversations with other fathers who get it.’
James and Noah
James says the walks take around one to two hours, and at the time of print there were up to 15 dads attending each walk. He says his wife, Larissa, is really proud of the way the group has grown. “She’s very supportive. And on a personal note, it’s a refresh for her to have that time to herself,” he says.
The group has recently attracted a lot of media attention, even featuring on Nine’s Today Show. There are now new Dad Steps groups starting in various areas of Sydney. Dad Steps flyers are also being distributed via Birth and Beyond Education, another way of reaching out to more dads who need support. “We know how important mothers’ groups are,” James says. “I think Dad Steps is getting that attention because deep down we want to encourage more dads to be getting that space.
“I know how isolating it can be as a first-time father. As long as dads are getting the support, that’s my main focus.”
For meeting times and locations, visit the Dad Steps Facebook page.
