For first-time parents Sarah and Gyimaah, our Dads & Bubs Playgroup has been a lifeline of support on their journey through parenthood with their 12-month-old son, Asher.
Gyimaah first learned about the Playgroup through Sarah, who had a friend already attending. Sarah, having witnessed the immense support of her own mother’s group, encouraged Gyimaah to join in hopes of building his own village.
“Parenthood is the toughest thing you’ll ever do, and I know I wouldn’t have made it through without a village,” Sarah shared. “I could see Gyimaah didn’t have that kind of support system, so I wanted him to have a space where he could connect with other dads.”
When Gyimaah took the plunge and attended his first playgroup, Sarah was thrilled. “I was excited because I knew he’d benefit in the same way I did from my mum’s group!”
Though hesitant at first, Gyimaah quickly found himself enjoying the group, bonding with Asher, and meeting other dads. Six months later, they’ve become regular attendees, celebrating every developmental milestone with the Playgroup NSW team.
“It’s such a welcoming environment,” Gyimaah said. “Katie and Kelly (the Playgroup NSW educators) have created something really special here in Rosehill.”
Gyimaah’s favorite part of the playgroup is storytime, while Asher loves being surrounded by other children. One of their favourite memories together is a Teddy Bear picnic where Asher had his first taste of fairy bread, an unforgettable milestone.
“For Asher, coming here is like a smorgasbord of fun!” said Sarah with a smile.
Both Sarah and Gyimaah have noticed Asher’s growing confidence, thanks to his interactions with other kids at the playgroup. “Asher’s picked up so many new things just by watching the other kids,” Sarah shared. “One day we were singing ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,’ and Asher started doing the diamond hand gesture on his own – he saw the other kids do it here!”
Over time, Sarah also saw Gyimaah’s growth as a parent. “When I was at home full-time with Asher, I saw him every day. Gyimaah was working in an office, so it was really great for him to have dedicated time with Asher, to witness how far he had come.”
As Gyimaah’s confidence grew, so did his ability to meet Asher’s needs with ease. “He became more confident in both Asher’s abilities and in himself as a parent. He’s now more relaxed and present with Asher. And that has made all the difference,” Sarah reflected.
This new balance in their parenting responsibilities has been a game-changer for Sarah. “Asher’s definitely a mama’s boy, but now, when he’s upset, it’s not just me who can calm him. Gyimaah has become just as comfortable in meeting his needs.”
“Sometimes, as a mum, you need space, and it’s been so helpful knowing that Gyimaah can step in with minimal fuss. It’s made a huge difference,” she added.
In today’s world, where traditional gender roles are shifting, both Sarah and Gyimaah agree on the importance of supporting dads.
“While the emphasis is rightly placed on mums, the support for dads is still lacking,” Gyimaah said. “I didn’t have that support early on, but I’m so glad I found this playgroup.”
Sarah, too, had noticed the lack of community for dads. “As a mum, I had my group, my network. I could see Gyimaah didn’t have that same kind of access. That’s why I kept encouraging him to go (to the playgroup). I knew how much it had helped me, and I just wanted him to have the same kind of support.”
Now, with Sarah back at work full-time, the family makes attending the playgroup a weekly ritual, reinforcing their bond with Asher as a family.
Jess, our Early Education Program Lead, explains the purpose behind the Dads & Bubs Playgroup:
“This group is part of the PlayStrong program funded by the Department of Education, which aims to encourage parents to engage more deeply with their children and support their early education.
For dads, it provides a unique opportunity to find their identity as parents and connect with other dads on the same journey, creating an equal partnership in parenting that benefits the whole family.”
“The early years are crucial for a child’s development, and this playgroup supports the vital skills kids need in those first 2000 days—boosting their social, emotional, and early literacy development,” Jess added.
“Give it a go and see where it takes you,” Gyimaah encourages other parents. His journey with the Playgroup has been nothing short of transformative – and he wouldn’t have it any other way.
Our Dads & Bubs is a free playgroup dedicated to dads of children aged 0-5 years, designed to support both parents and children in an early education setting. To attend a local playgroup, access free resources and workshops and more, visit: nationalplaygroupweek.org.au.
