Tools and Resources (communication tools, referring)
Tips and resources we have for making your Dads Group a success
We know you will come from different backgrounds with different experience levels and skills to bring to the Group! So we know that these things may seem second nature for some, and others may be comfortable with a bit more support.
Below, we'll outline some ideas on how discussions may go in your Dads Group.
Please be reassured that you're already facilitating communication and connection simply by providing the space for Dads to meet. We're just including some tried and tested ways of encouraging blokes to share and some tips on what to do if the conversation gets tricky or you become concerned about the mental health of someone in your Group.
'How are you out of 10 today?' This is a great open-ended conversation starter, which is easier to answer than 'How are you today' and avoids the classic 'good' or 'fine' response. Quantifying their response provides space for someone to reflect on their feelings. It also encourages follow-up questions and curiosity from the Group.
Be curious. Ask questions and keep a curious attitude when engaging with your Group. You will get to share your story in time. Leadership, however, is about ensuring your group members feel connected, respected and valued. This comes from taking a genuine interest in them and their experiences.
Validate their experiences. We love to fix things, so it can be challenging to not give out advice or encouragement when someone shares a challenge that they are having, especially if we've been through it ourselves! Try to listen without interrupting or suggesting ideas, focus on what they are saying, and ask questions to get a clearer picture of what they're going through. Check-in with them 'How are you going with that?'. At Dads Group, we aim to normalise feelings while never excusing behaviour, e.g. anger is a normal feeling; however, what we do with that anger is what is important. Finally, if appropriate and after you've covered all the previous steps, you can share a similar story or experience to show they're not alone!
