Amazing Dads! Fatherhood Curriculum, Workbook

The only trauma-informed curriculum designed to turn men into great dads Amazing Dads Fatherhood Curriculum teaches fathers with kids of all ages to become exceptional parents. These detailed lessons meet dads where they are, starting from the common tendencies of male socialization to help explain key concepts of healthy fathering. Through a trauma-informed approach, this curriculumcreates safety in the group setting while delving into critical topics that fathers simply do not tend to talk about with people in their lives. Unlike other fatherhood curricula, Amazing Dads addresses a breadth of topics, empowering men to discuss issues like family of origin, sexuality, how punishment can turn into abuse, self-care, and how toxic messages in the culture can hinder parent-child relationships. Each session incorporates grounding and breathing exercises, in addition to activities, exercises, and experiential opportunities that allow participants to connect with the material on a meaningful level. By the end of this course, fathers will have gained the increased self-awareness needed to enhance their relationships with their children and other family members. Lead fathers through a curriculum of targeted lessons focused on how male socialization affects their parenting Guide participants through exercises for developing relational, communication, and conflict resolution skills Connect with dads on a meaningful level by creating a safe space for discussions of trauma and other difficult subjects Explain important parenting concepts using examples, hands-on activities, and more This curriculum is excellent for use in parenting groups, behavioral health treatment programs, addiction treatment programs, and other community-based programs serving fathers. Dads of all backgrounds, with kids of all ages, will benefit from the wisdom in Amazing Dads Fatherhood Curriculum.

About the Amazing Dads! Program vi About This Workbook viii Meeting 1: Engaging the Father Within 1 Meeting 2: The Man Rules 10 Meeting 3: Toxic Water 15 Meeting 4: Dads and Trauma: Breaking the Cycle 20 Meeting 5: Making the Connections – Mental Health, Addiction, and Trauma 29 Meeting 6: Feelings… Nothing More than Feelings 40 Meeting 7: Exploring Family Dynamics – Past and Present 51 Meeting 8: Father of Mine 57 Meeting 9: Mothers 66 Meeting 10: Healthy Relationships Are for Us Too! 74 Meeting 11: Communication Is Key 79 Meeting 12: Let’s Talk About Sex 93 Meeting 13: Let’s REALLY Talk About Sex 102 Meeting 14: Men’s Health 110 Meeting 15: Healthy Discipline 118 Meeting 16: The Art of Play 127 Meeting 17: A Balancing Act 133 Meeting 18: Vision of Fatherhood 140 Congratulatory 145 Participant Survey 147 Appendix A: Grounding and Relaxation Exercises 148 Additional References 158