“Children who have an involved father are more likely to be emotionally secure, be confident to explore their surroundings, and, as they grow older, have better social connections” – Fathers and Their Impact on Children’s Well-Being
Many libraries find storytimes and programs filled with moms and kids. Any male caregivers attending often find themselves outnumbered. Library staff have started offering library programs for fathers and male caregivers in an effort to be more inclusive. Read on to learn more about these programs offered through our BC public libraries.
Father Inclusive Family Programs
Man in the Moon is a unique program for dads and other male caregivers attending with children newborn to 18 months. Men and children can meet and socialize in a baby-friendly environment and listen to lively songs, rhymes and stories for babies and toddlers. This program is offered at many libraries throughout the Lower Mainland, including the Burnaby Public Library, Surrey Libraries and the Vancouver Public Libraries.
The Build-N-Play at the Fraser Valley Regional Library invites you to show off your inner builder at the library. Play with magformers, keva planks and other fun building tools. Little Smarties at the New Westminster Public Library is a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) based program offered weekly. Engineer with keva planks and Lego, get creative with crafts, and more. Lego drop in at the North Vancouver District Public Library invites you to come in for this fun, fantastic and free program. They provide the Lego and you let your imagination run wild through play and experimentation.
As children get older, libraries offer workshops and presentations to help you understand the changing nature of your relationship with your children. There is a Parenting Teens Support Group for Mandarin-speaking families with children 13-10 Years Old at the North Vancouver City Library. This is a monthly session to offer self-reflection and share the experiences and challenges of parenting adolescents. Topics range from family communication skills to stress and coping strategies.
Maintaining a strong, healthy relationship between parents can impact how children adjust to life’s challenges, how they show care and affection, and how they communicate with others. The Squamish Public Library is offering a presentation, Building Healthy Relationships, to look at the foundations of a strong relationship, how to build and maintain them with partners, and highlights and useful tips and strategies for parents.
Discover All Our Programs and Events!
You can search for upcoming library programs and events on the NewToBC website. Programs and events at libraries are for everyone and they are free. If you would like to see a particular service offered at your library, you’re always welcome to make a suggestion to library staff.
