2008, Issue 2
Educating, Connecting and Supporting families in Monash
Being a Dad!
Jennifer Sebire, Coordinator Children's Services Support & Planning
I was reading some research the other day on Family Characteristics and Transitions, Australia, 2006-07 on the Australian Bureau of Statistics website – www.abs.gov.au.
It has some interesting statistics about families – of all the families with children 0-17 years, 80% were couple families and 20% were one-parent families, with 3% of these being lone father families.
If you need information and support in understanding your child's development then a great place to start is your local Maternal & Child Health Nurse. Not only will the nurse be able to provide information about your child’s needs, but will also be able to provide you with information on any specialist resources that may be required.
To be able to see where your child is at in relation to other children and to provide social activities, a great place is your local playgroup. I hear you say "Yes, but I am not welcomed into the group because I am a man". This is true in some cases, but not all. Ring around some groups and find one that will welcome you. Let your fingers do the walking, and don’t hesitate to explain your previous experiences with the playgroup coordinators that you contact.
A list of all registered playgroups in your area can be found on the Playgroup Victoria website www.playgroup.org.au. Check them out or consider starting your own playgroup.
Another great local resource is your library. All libraries have regular free story time sessions for preschoolers and toddlers and your librarian can also help you with choosing the appropriate reading books for your child's developmental level.
Finally, a great resource to have in your home is the 2008 Community Directory provided free to all households in Monash, which will give you lots of information on services for both yourself and your children in the City of Monash
The directory can also be viewed online at
Community Directory.
Updated: 17 July 2008
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