Daddy and me time

Times Contributor     

 

Several fathers and their children enjoyed making a spring kite together at the Hand in Hand Parent Link centre on June 7.

Aspen Social Services offers the Hand in Hand Parent Link program in Strathmore, to provide support to parents in their role as their child’s first and most influential teacher. Rhonda Rhys-Doering said that a father’s role with their child is very important.

“A child’s bond with their father establishes healthy behaviour,” said Rhys-Doering said.

Some of the research regarding fathers and their babies indicate babies learn their father’s image and smell early on. They equate those to a time for play and interaction. Those playful interactions help the baby develop good brain activity. Fathers are also good role models for children teaching them self-confidence, taking initiative, humour, and taking safe risks. Healthy father-child bonds decrease acting out in later life and discourage teen pregnancies. Both parents provide protection and provision, but children often equate it as a male role.

Hand in Hand Parent Link has a lot of educational resources for parents. They often collaborate with other community agencies and professionals to provide referrals and interesting programming.

The centre is located on the corner of Fourth Avenue and Second Street in Strathmore and it is kid friendly, but all generations will enjoy the interesting activities offered through ongoing programming throughout the month. There are programs for new parents, toddlers and preschool children. Many of the activities will prepare children for kindergarten or play school activities. All activities are free of charge. To register for activities call 403-983-0076. 

The fathers present on June 7 said they really enjoyed coming to the centre with their children. One dad said it gave his wife a welcome break. Another father said that sometimes single or divorced fathers don’t have toys or spaces that they can play with their children, so Hand in Hand Parent Link is the perfect place to come to play. Rhys-Doering said that the centre has also provides a place for supervised visits for families involved in custody issues. 

Play at the centre is so much fun, it sometimes spills outdoors. There is engagement with people of all ages in the Walk and Roll program, which meets at the sign for Kinsmen Park on Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m. Leonor said that interaction of the children with each other and community members improves their socialization skills. 

Anyone can check programs out on the Town of Strathmore website www.townofstrathmore.com and get more information about the agency at www.plcstrathmore@aspenfamily.org.