DadSpace Blog
As a dad, you feel the pressure to be strong. You’re supposed to have all the answers and be able to handle anything. But the truth is, being a dad is hard. It’s okay to need help. We understand the challenges that dads face. We’re here to provide you with the support and resources you need to be the best dad you can be.
Help evaluate DadBooster and learn strategies to feel better
PIRI is conducting a research study to evaluate DadBooster. This research study will evaluate the effectiveness of the DadBooster program as a treatment for dads experiencing depression and anxiety after the birth of their child.
You & your partner
Parenthood is a time of transition, requiring you & your partner to mobilise lots of your resources and energy to cope with it. New parents must adapt to a new role with enormous ongoing demands and responsibilities.
Managing your time
When your baby first arrives home your schedule is completely out of your hands. Managing your time can be very difficult. Here's a few tips on how to develop a flexible plan for time management.
Sensing your baby’s needs
Your baby will thrive on getting lots of physical contact, attention and care from you. Sensing your baby's needs will allow you to respond in a way that is sensitive and appropriate to your baby's gestures and sounds.
Managing your stress
Stress can get in the way of overcoming depression. Did you know you are more likely to feel "down and overwhelmed" when you are feeling stressed?
Sleep & caring for baby
Just because you are the parent it does not mean you automatically know what to do when it comes to meeting the needs of your baby. Here's a few tips for dads on sleep & caring for baby.
Getting support
Having a network of personal supporters can ease at least some of the burdens you are experiencing as a new Dad. Your support network can include your partner, your family members, mates or sporting club members or new contacts you make with local Dads you meet through your baby.
Solving problems
Solving problems is a skill that helps you when a difficult situation arises. It gives you a process for thinking through options, trying out possible solutions, and revising the game plan as needed to figure out what will really work for you, your partner and baby.
Communication skills
Effective communication means being able to communicate clearly and graciously, asking for what you want and saying "No" to things you don't want. Here's a few tips on developing your communication skills.
Looking after your partner and your relationship
It is important you look after yourself physically and emotionally. This means making sure you get sleep, exercise and eat well. Whilst doing these things with a baby in the home might seem difficult, with a little planning, it doesn’t have to be impossible.
Looking after yourself
In order to be a good father and partner, it is important that you look after yourself physically and emotionally. This means making sure you get sleep, exercise and eat well. Whilst doing these things at a time when there’s a new baby in the house might seem difficult, with a little planning, it doesn’t have to be impossible.
Interacting with baby
Many new fathers wonder what they can do with their babies, when most interaction (especially in the beginning) seems one-sided - a little like talking to yourself. However, think of yourself as your baby’s favourite toy.
The role of father
The traditional stereotype of a father as bread winner and disciplinarian has changed, with more dads playing a hands-on parenting role. But every father is different and the role doesn’t come with a job description.
Towards Parenthood self-help workbook
The impact a baby may have on the couple relationship is a key. Many men underestimate the enormity of this life change impacting not only on wellbeing, but managing sleep deprivation and extra demands whilst at the same time continuing a demanding work schedule.
10 Survival Tips for Dads
It’s not always easy to adjust to the new role of being a dad but not many dads recognise how they feel or ask for help! Here’s 10 Survival Tips for Dads
Forget dad bod… what about dad brain?
There’s a growing body of evidence finding that biological changes - shifts in hormones and brain activity - happen in men, too. And these shifts are just one part of the picture.
Dads can experience depression after the birth of a child too
It may surprise you that men may also experience symptoms of depression when expecting a new baby or becoming a new parent. 1 in 10 new or expectant dads experience anxiety or depression in Australia.
Strategies for Good Physical and Mental Health
There are many general strategies you can use to help you stay in good physical and mental health.
How Dads Can Support Mums with PND
In addition to all the other changes in your life, you may discover that your partner is experiencing difficulties adjusting to motherhood, depression, or anxiety.
Self-care for New Parents
It is important to remember to practice self-care and not to expect too much of yourself. Try to take each day as it comes.
7 Tips for Dads
Looking for some tips for dads? Focus on giving hands-on help with the practical things such as taking turns to settle the baby at night and let her know she has your emotional support too.
Understanding Emotional Health & Postnatal Depression
Becoming a parent is a major life transition. Many parents struggle to adjust to the changes. We have put together this guide to understanding emotional health & postnatal depression.
Getting involved with your baby’s care
Some dads wonder how they can support their partners with baby care in the first few months, particularly if the mother’s breast is the primary food source. Here's some tips you might find helpful.
Effective Parenting Programs
If you are preparing for the changes of a new baby, these great tools to help you manage the challenges of parenting.