Father’s Day Reflections: Celebrating and Supporting Dad’s Mental Health

Hello, Ready To Dad Crew!

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

Welcome to The Ready to Dad newsletter's first Father’s Day edition. June is the month for Father’s Day and Men’s Mental Health Month. On this special day, take a moment to recognize your vital role in your children’s lives. It’s crucial to prioritize self-care to continue to be the best for the little ones who mean so much to us.

Being a dad is multifaceted. You’re a teacher, a mentor, a friend, a playmate, a comforting presence, and more. These varied responsibilities allow us to communicate meaningfully with our children and build secure attachments. Being kind to ourselves is essential to fulfilling these roles effectively.

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In This Week’s Newsletter:

• Quote of The Week - “There are no rewards or medals in parenting for neglecting yourself.” - Unknown

• In The News - Pilot program includes Dads, Dads get representation on Capitol Hill for Father’s Day, and the importance of mental health care for fathers.

• Javaree Talks - Mental health & wellbeing as a dad

IN THE NEWS 

JAVAREE THOUGHTS

On this Father’s Day, I’m thinking back on my journey through fatherhood, which has been 3.5 years now. It can be a wild ride full of identity changes, self-exploration, reflection, struggling, and newfound joy! I share some insights that have helped me navigate fatherhood and things we can do to ease the load.

Normalize Emotional Experiences: We often face unique mental health challenges, especially during the perinatal period. Normalizing these experiences and encouraging open discussions is important to help us feel less isolated and more supported.

Promote Self-Care and Awareness: Prioritizing self-care and being aware of signs of depression and anxiety is crucial. Regular health checkups and seeking professional help can make a significant difference.

Support Parental Policies: Advocating for policies like paid parental leave can give us time to bond with our children and adjust to our new roles. Such policies are essential for reducing stress and promoting mental well-being.

Build a Supportive Community: Building supportive networks through parenting groups or social interactions is important. Sharing experiences and strategies with other parents can provide valuable support and reduce feelings of loneliness.

Model Healthy Emotional Expression: Expressing our emotions healthily helps manage our mental health and teaches our children valuable lessons about emotional regulation because they copy what they see.

Balance Traditional and Nurturing Roles: Balancing traditional responsibilities and nurturing roles can be challenging. Finding guidance on navigating these roles can help us feel more confident and effective in our parenting.

Remember, you're not alone in this journey. We're all in it together, learning and growing alongside our kids. Take care of yourself so you can continue being the amazing dad you are.

DAD JOKE OF THE WEEK

What does a dad say when his kids ask him if he’s alright?
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No, I’m half left!