This groundbreaking event gives dads (dad-figures)* and children the rare opportunity to share important intergenerational stories, learn and practice lifelong relationship skills, and strengthen & deepen the dad-child bond. Whether your relationship needs general upkeep or an overhaul, this enjoyable, one-of-a-kind event gives all dads and sons/daughters a forum to:
- Take time out to focus on what matters most: Discuss the key elements of a healthy, close dad-child connection and take stock of your own. Research shows that children with a close relationship to their dad do better academically, socially and emotionally than those with more emotionally distant dads.
- Discuss important, but often difficult-to-address issues: Find out how other dads are handling issues such as drugs/alcohol, bullying, friendships, dating/sex, media influence, new technology, etc. Listen to what young people have to say about modern life.
- Learn how to keep lines of communication open no matter what: Develop skills for speaking and listening respectfully and responsibly to each other and practice using The Relationship Check Up - a structured way to have heart-to-heart talks on a regular basis.
- Create a regular, shared ritual for spending time together: Learn why one-to-one ‘dad time’ with your kids is critical and hear about a variety of different rituals other dads do with their kids.
*Children whose dads cannot make it for any reason are encouraged to attend with an adult male role-model (grandfather, family friend, uncle, etc.)
DWD FOUNDATIONS - WORKSHOPS IN SCHOOLS AND ORGANIZATIONS - The DWD workshop can be done as a stand-alone workshop or in conjunction with another school or organizational event (eg. as part of an annual breakfast, orientation day, leadership program, etc.)
DWD BRIDGES - A SERVICE EVENT TO STRENGTHEN SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS - This program brings dads/children from the school and a community organization together to collaborate on a service project. Working with both groups, John helps establish shared goals (eg, to open dialogue, explore more ongoing collaboration, learn more about each other, etc.), organize and facilitate the day of service, and follow up with an assessment.
DWD CONNECTIONS A YEAR-LONG PROGRAM - John meets with the same group of dads-sons/daughters twice (fall and spring), and utilizes a variety of innovative web technologies to stay connected throughout the year. During each visit, John also meets with faculty/staff. The result is transformed dad-child relationships and a more engaged community of dads at the school/org.
DWD JOURNEYS - RETREAT AND VACATION EXPERIENCES - The one and two night dad/child retreats can be run as a stand alone events for a school/organization, or integrated into an already existing retreat program. Using a mix of storytelling, skill-building, physical activity, and one-on-one time, the retreat gives dads/children a safe, structured environment to strengthen and deepen their bond. Vacation experiences combine elements of the retreat with a specific interest (eg, baseball, hiking, etc.) and are run during school vacations.