Village Voice News - Community - Help for L-plate dads

Five Dock's Peter Denman is bringing 'Learner Dads' together for a series of workshops to help out first-time fathers.

Peter is holding the workshops from a father's perspective, covering topics such as postnatal depression, work-life balance, relationship conflict and time management.

"With so much emphasis put on the needs of the mother and the baby, most first time dads can be forgotten," Peter said.

Father of two-year-old James (pictured right) and a qualified counsellor, Peter developed the Learner Dad concept to fill a gap in first time parenting education. Leaving a job in corporate marketing, his work now focuses on helping people manage periods of change in their lives.

"I think the move to parenthood is a major life transition," said Peter.

"Recognising this is the first-time father's biggest challenge."

Participants are shown how to bond with their newborns while protecting their relationship with the expectant mum.

According to Peter, a strong relationship is crucial to successful parenting.

"Now is the time to invest in your relationship because the pressure is about to build. It's really about juggling roles and making sure your expectations are clear, for yourself and your partner. Communication is the key and you really need to want to meet the needs of your partner," Peter said.

"The workshops show practical ways to do this, like making to-do or chore lists that you sit down and discuss together," he said.

The workshops will kick off on May 17. Visit www.learnerdad.com.au for details.

- Lucy Kippist.