Fatherhood and socialising

[brightonlad]

Are there many Dads on this site? I've got completely addicted lately. I want to thank all the Ladies complaining about their partners! It makes me feel like some kind of super-dad!
Anyway,
Anyone else finding it hard to shift their social lives towards parent-hood? I'm the first out of my old friends to have a kid and it's completely changed my social life, all my mates seem to do is go out on pill binges which really doesn't appeal. This leaves me with the odd work night out but something seems lacking. Women seem to have it easy meeting hundreds of potential mum-mates at groups during the first year but for men it's a bit different isn't it?
What was your experience?

Hi, Have you a Surestart Centre near you? Our's do a dad group so you will meet people with the same problem as you. Also my husband started going to the local gym and socialises whilst he works out.

Some areas have Saturday Parent and Baby/Toddler groups which are popular with Dads in particular (check yuor local library)

Similar to DLI, my dh started playing football with a group of Dads (they have everything from newborns to teens)

Taking dc swimming at weekends is another way of meeting other parents.

BL - you feel like a super dad - but have you read what your dp has written about you?

Good point DOIM!
Bloody football! I don't have a problem with it but it really irritates me that it's (alongside other sport) a corner stone of male interaction. I know I'm not alone in thinking this.
I'm definitely going to check out the saturday morning baby boogie at my local library though. That was a good suggestion - as long as it's the babies doing the boogieing!

Libraries are good for Dad and kid things, but trampolining and baby bouncer classes etc defo had the Mums looking down on the token Dad in attendance.

Sounds a cliche, but it is still true today. It is like the Mums in these groups cannot accept a man being there. As if I was not trusted.

I was odd one out. Which is odd, as all the mums in school playground talk to me all the time, so its maybe just earning their trust?

Maybe try and get you DW to invite some other couples round who already have kids, in order to increase both your social life. . .
Unfortunately i think its the way it goes. . .when you have kids you cant/dont get to the pub so much with the other singleys and you sort of move on. . .they will end up the same when they have kids.