Mr Mum

[LindseyV]

Dad's going to take over the childcare when I go back to work in a couple of weeks, anyone got any info on dad and baby activities or got a partner in crouch end in the same situation that might like to meet up?

I was in this position about ten years ago. I would have two bits of advice:-

1. Go to all the drop ins that you can find. That way you will discover the ones that do not mind, or even welcome dads. (some do not; but do not be discouraged, just move on) A dad friendly group is more likely to have other men at it of course.

1. There used to be an organisation, largely based in Muswell Hill, that WAS called Harringey Mothers. It changed its name a few years ago to "Harringey Parents" A good sign! A quick search on Google does not find them, but I believe they were active as recently as 2006. There might be information about them in Hornsey Childrens' library.

Is he going to join Mumsnet?

There's a Jolly Babies group on Monday afternoons at Burghley Road Under 5s Centre - not in Crouch End but probably only about a mile away near Turnpike Lane - a short bus ride on the 41 or 144 if the weather's too awful to walk. Currently there are two dads who come nearly every week, and I've met a third one and a grandfather there.

There's a group called Dad'z that meets in Wood Green on the other side of the High Road - it meets on Saturdays I think but at least he'd meet other fathers there if that day doesn't rule it out.

I've also seen several dads bringing babies to swimming and music and messy play sessions in my area, though I live a couple of miles east of you in Tottenham.

Might Haringey Parents be the one that is now Haringey Families?

Thanks for the advice, I'm surprised that there don't seem to be many other dads in this situation!

Lindsey, there is an event called 'A Day with Dad' at the Triangle in St Ann's Road N15 this weekend. I'll post more details if your dp is interested (he might at least get to meet some other local dads).

It's also open to mums if you want to go along with him. I suspect there's more than we think as not all men will feel comfortable posting on a website called mumsnet, and they may be underrepresented at groups etc.

Hi Mercy, my DP might be interested in this. Could you let me know the details?

TIA

Hi Lucy

"The event is to be held at the Triangle on Saturday 9th February between 11am and 3pm. There will be lots of free, fun activities including:

Science Museum - Bubble Show

Face Painting

Family Photo to take away

Circus Skills workshop

Storytelling workshop with Katrice Horsley (fantastic)

Mini-Beasts

African Drumming

Junk model making

Football coaching with Tottenham Hotspur

And free LUNCH!!!

The Triangle, 91-93 St Anne's Road"