New Website, Dadsclub.com.au Gives dads support, advice and a place to go for ideas and information Dadsclub.com.au is a new Australian website that aims to provide useful and practical information on parenting, directed at Dads. Dave Woolbank, founder of Dadsclub.com.au says that despite the fact Dads are taking on more and more of the parenting, they are frequently forgotten when it comes to receiving parenting advice and support or don't feel comfortable putting their hand up for help. "A great deal of a mother's support comes from her own mother, her grandmother, her sisters and friends or even a community based mothers group," he said. "Often, Dads don't have the same support opportunities as their partners. Their own fathers came from a different generation when there was different expectations of fatherhood and parenting issues aren't often discussed with mates so it can be particularly tough if you are the first in your friendship group to have a child. "Dads Club fills this gap. It offers free advice and quick tips on parenting written by Dads for Dads with the practical information Dads need without the waffle they don't," says Woolbank. As well as tips and advice, Dadsclub.com.au will feature contributions from "Expert Dads", including obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr Vijay Roach, who regularly speaks to fathers about pregnancy and in particular Post Natal Depression; Gadget Guy, Pete Blasina, who will contribute stories relating to kids and technology; child psychologist and author, Dr John Irvine and Kim Terakes, high profile cook and founder of "Boys Can Cook" who will share tips and recipes for Dads. Dads Get a Look-in on Buying the Presents Fathers' Day clearly revolves around the idea of giving a gift to Dad, but how often are Dads actually given the task of buying the pressies for their own children, let alone other people's? Isn't it always the case that the Mum tends to say something along the lines of: "You'll buy something inappropriate" or if they've been allowed to get something, the likely response is: "What on earth possessed you to buy that? It's totally inappropriate"! To coincide with Father's Day and with the stores starting their pre-Christmas campaign this month (yes, really!), the Dads behind new website for Dads – Dadsclub.com.au have come up with a top ten of gift giving - for Dads, by Dads. Top Ten Gift Ideas That Bond: A Dad's Perspective… The best gift is one that says, "I know what you like". You know if your child is sporty, academic, an abstract thinker, into crystals, mad about construction, loves animals, is always drawing etc. By giving gifts that acknowledge their interests you affirm them and share in their interest….a bonding experience. The best thing to value is your child's growing individuality, curiosity, self-confidence and skills. Look for toys that develop these attributes with integrity. It is necessary for some gifts to be an antidote to popular culture and in particular to be something that is particular to your family culture. Does your family go fishing, collect crystals, play board games, or have an interest in astronomy or birds? Remember that kids are very susceptible to advertising and peer group pressure and just because they want a particular toy it doesn't mean that they will play with it once they have it. It may just be something that they feel they need. Keep these kinds of gifts a minimum. You can use gifts to introduce new interests but it's probably better to introduce a new interest in a more low-key fashion first. All humans are a body-mind. Don't forget to cater for both sides by providing active as well as passive toys. It's not fair to buy presents which are "good for them" if they won't like them. These will be resented. Give these gifts at other times but not for birthdays or Xmas. You may like to introduce gifts like this; "here's something I thought you might like". This takes the pressure off both the giver and the receiver. Spend a bit less on birthday and Xmas gifts and buy other small unexpected gifts through the year. These can be more educational or introducing new interests and hobbies or as rewards for special achievement. Also, if the child doesn't like them, it won't be such a disaster. It is also just as likely that even though the reaction was luke-warm, the exposure bears fruit later on down the track. All teachers know this secret. Because of computer technology, kids often miss out on valuable mind and body integrating hands-on experiences. Just as we need slow food, we need slow toys to allow spontaneous creative thoughts. Toys that require hands-on manipulation and creative thought are more significant in terms of developing a solid sense of self in the world than fast reactions to light, colour and sound on a screen. We all want products to last as long as we need them and if we can then pass them on in a usable state, so much the better for the environment. However, some toys are best thought of as experiences, and as such don't have to be repeated e.g. building some models and performing science experiments. The memory lasts even though you have carried out the activity only once!!  So now there's never been a better time to entrust Dad with the gift giving job and more! For more information simply visit Dadsclub.com.au.

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