Movember launches the world’s first parenting course designed for dads

Ahead of Father’s Day, Movember Global Mental Health Director Brendan Maher explains what the charity is doing to make life less stressful for families
Kids don’t always come with a manual
Movember

Anyone who has witnessed their toddler have a full-blown meltdown in the supermarket, suffered the crocodile tears before bedtime or fought a daily tug of war over the iPad, knows that parenting isn’t easy.

Kids don’t come with a manual and although being a dad is one of the most rewarding experiences there is, nothing prepares you for how tough it can be.

Fathers under pressure

Parenting small children can be challenging
Movember

Previous research by Movember has shown that over half (53 per cent) of dads believe men are under more pressure nowadays to be good parents, and 42 per cent say they feel anxious about being a ‘good father’.

Yet, despite a wide body of research showing that parenting programmes are most effective when both parents are involved, only a fifth (20 per cent) of those who have taken a parenting course are men.

Research indicates that financial costs, work commitments and lack of time, as well as a reluctance to seek help, may be possible barriers for many dads.

Designed for dads

That’s why Movember has launched the world’s first online parenting programme designed with dads in mind.

Movember’s Family Man is a free, online course designed to equip parents of children aged between two and eight with the practical skills to manage challenging child behaviour and increase their parenting confidence.

The programme is comprised of three short, animated episodes which dads, mums or any caregiver can complete at their own pace and it takes less than an hour to complete the whole programme.

We were delighted when footballing legends Peter Crouch, Jamie Redknapp and Jermaine Jenas gave their backing to Movember’s Family Man this week.  

Ahead of Father’s Day this Sunday, the L’Oréal Men Expert ‘Your Wing Men’ ambassadors were discussing the challenges of being a dad to young children and swapping parenting tips.  

Former England midfielder Jermaine, who is looking forward to the birth of his fourth child later this year, said: “The Movember Family Man tool is a really good place to go and get the advice and support that you need, especially for new dads.”

Results in two weeks

See positive changes in your child’s behaviour in two weeks
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Improvements in behaviour can be seen within as little as two weeks.

Each episode features a father who is faced with a challenging situation, such as a battle over the dinner table or a tantrum in public.

Users are given a number of possible ways to respond to the situation. The pros and cons and likely outcomes of each option are carefully explained, using clear and direct instructions.

It was adapted from a successful parenting programme called ParentWorks which was developed by Professor Mark Dadds (yes, that’s his real name) at the University of Sydney.

A study of the programme published in the journal of Child Psychiatry & Human Development showed it led to significant decreases in child emotional and behavioural problems and parental mental health problems.

Tested on real families

Restore family harmony
Movember

We’ve tested these evidence-based strategies on parents around the world and they’ve told us that they really help to restore family harmony.

Dad-of-two Chris Whitmore, 35, from Barnes, south-west London, says he and his wife Larisa, 39, have noticed positive changes in the behaviour of their children Tomas, eight, and four-year-old Elina, after following the programme for a few weeks.

“Things are a lot easier when you work as a team,” he says. “If you agree on an approach together and then always back each other up it’s likely there will be less conflict and that makes life less stressful for everyone.”

Five tips for managing family conflict

Divide up the house

If you can, define clear zones in your home for noisy activities and quiet places, to limit the chaos. Put a map of this on the fridge for everyone to see.

Don’t be the referee

Trying to find out who started it, and who did what to whom, can actually reinforce bickering. Refuse to take sides.

Let siblings work through their disagreements themselves
Movember

Clear consequences

Fighting, aggression and refusing to follow instructions should be met with calm, clear consequences. This could include losing a privilege or having a time out.

Hold family meetings

Involve the entire household, listen to your children’s opinions and keep it fun. The more kids feel as though they’re part of the process, the better.

Plan rewards

Work out what behaviours you want to see more of and reward positive behaviour with specific praise and one-on-one time.

To find out more about Family Man, visit familyman.movember.com