You are currently browsing the monthly archive for May 2009.
If you’re a dad and live in Missouri, this program may be worth checking out.
They have fatherhood classes, encourage mothers to participate as well, and a conference is coming up soon. For more information about this program, click here.
Here’s a brief look at their mission statement and some of the issues they cover in their classes:
Our Mission
The mission of Fatherhood First is to empower fathers and young men in our service area through life-skills and job-readiness training, and to assist them in the development of healthy, productive relationships with their children and families.The Fatherhood First program staff seeks a deeper understanding of existing barriers to infant-mortality-reduction outreach efforts, and of how men in the region might be called upon to help dissolve such barriers.
Not surprisingly, this program approaches the skill of parenting with a male perspective in mind, and challenges participants to cultivate the socially and economically responsible habits that will be of greatest benefit to their families over time.
The program strives to create awareness among participants of the critical role fathers play–actively or otherwise–in every aspect of their children’s development, from the very earliest stages of life.
We encourage the participation of mothers in every possible area of the “Fatherhood First” program.
The program currently provides education or training in the following areas:
- Life Skills
- Self-Esteem
- Anger Mangement
- Relationship Skills
- Substance Abuse
- Job Readiness
- Financial Management
- Child Support Issues
Child Abuse and Neglect
"Morro Bay, CA" by mikebaird @ flickr
Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each.
Henry David Thoreau
Base flamingo photo by szeke @ flickr
“Is there anything more beautiful than a beautiful, beautiful flamingo, flying across in front of a beautiful sunset? And he’s carrying a beautiful rose in his beak, and also he’s carrying a very beautiful painting with his feet. And also, you’re drunk.”
~Jack Handy*~
*thanks to Kevin Grossman for suggesting we “mix it up” and add some Jack Handy. Brief PSA about the quote though – If you indeed drink enough to see this in real life, please get a friend to drive you home.
"Reflection & Refraction" by syntheticpanda @ flickr
The art of art, the glory of expression and
the sunshine of the light of letters,
is simplicity.
~Walt Whitman~
Say what?
A Mother’s Day Gift that gives every hour on the hour?
What on Earth are you talking about?
I’m talking about the mega-awesome event going on over at Postpartum Progress, Katherine Stone’s blog and the widest read blog about Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders in the nation!
On Sunday, starting at midnight, Postpartum Progress will be publishing an open “letter” from an absolutely stellar group of authors and bloggers. All of these women (and man) will be sharing from their hears about Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders. Some are medical professionals, some are therapists, some are survivors. But one thing is for sure. They ALL have a passion for supporting women and families as they navigate their way through the survival of a PMAD.
I was fortunate enough to be included in this wonderful group of women. I’m SO excited about this event!
So now you have a gift that gives each and every hour at no cost to you. Sneak away to the printer and grab that hour’s post for the deserving woman in your life. This is one event you don’t want to miss!
You can read more about the event at Katherine’s blog by clicking here.
Today we’re featuring an excerpt from Dr. Shosh’s latest book, Pregnant on Prozac. I’ve been doing my best to follow the Pregnant on Prozac teleclass with Dr. Shoshana Bennett over at Pampered Pregger and Beyond. It’s been great because you get in depth information as you learn about each chapter! The next installment, covering Chapter 5, Pregnancy & Moods, is on May 28th at 8:00p.m. EST. You can get more details on the class here.
Today’s excerpt is from Chapter 4, Trust Yourself, which encourages expectant mothers to learn to listen to themselves about treatment decisions as they navigate depression and other mental health issues during their pregnancies. This excerpt is directed at partners and other close supporters.
It’s Up to Her
You have a right to your opinion, but ultimately the decision is hers. Unless she is clinically not capable of making rational decisions – if she’s having a manic episode or in a psychotic state – support whatever she wants to do. What she needs to hear from you is, “I love you. You deserve to feel happy. Whatever you need to do to get yourself 100 percent well, I’m behind you.” Make the phone calls for her, driver her to the consultation appointments, and attend them yourself when appropriate. Keeping this attitude isn’t easy, especially when your opinion differs from herse and you feel strongly about it. But keep in mind what’s most imporant here – namely, your relationship with her. Of course the baby’s safety is important, too, and no one cares about that more than she does. Trust that she is weighing out all the pros and cons of the treatments outlined in this book and that she will make excellent decisions. What she needs is your support, which is worth more than gold.
Don’t forget!
Tonight’s PSI Chat with an expert will take place at 9:00p.m. EST with Susan Dowd Stone.
Callers may remain anonymous and don’t even have to say anything if you so desire.
To participate, just dial 1-800-944-8766 five minutes before the call is scheduled to begin. You must enter the Participant Code (listed below) A maximum of 15 callers is allowed. Facilitators will end the call 15 minutes after starting if there are no participants. For detailed instructions click here.
Here is the entire Men’s schedule for the month of May:
DAD’S FORUMS:
Monday, May 4, 9:00 EST, Susan Dowd Stone, MSW, LCSW (Participant Code 83506)
Monday, May 11, 9:30 EST, Will Courtenay, PhD (Participant Code 56403)
Monday, May 18, 9:00 EST, Susan Dowd Stone, MSW, LCSW (Participant Code 11990)
Monday, May 25, 9:30 EST, Will Courtenay, PhD (Participant Code 52177)
"Kite & St. Catherine's Island" by pcgn7 @ flickr
Kites rise highest against the wind – not with it.
Winston Churchill
Click here for more Fatherhood Friday fun!
Postpartum Dads Project 