SJFC offers free baby basics class for dads

St. James Family Center is offering a free class for new and expectant dads on January 12. Conscious Fathering, a three hour class that concentrates on the basics of what infants need, equips men to meet the challenges of new fatherhood and to parent in partnership with mom. While geared towards new and expectant dads, anyone who cares for infants is welcome to attend.

Participants practice holding, burping, changing and swaddling a baby using full sized dolls. Emphasis is placed on how to soothe a crying infant. Dads talk about how to have a plan to deal with the frustration that often comes with caring for a baby. Discussions also include the role of the father and their relationship with the child’s mother.

Conscious Fathering, a program of Parent Trust for Washington Children, is made possible by a Responsible Fatherhood grant from Circle of Parents. Brian McClain, Fatherhood Advocate at St. James Family Center, leads the class. He will also be recruiting fathers to continue with an ongoing Dads Group. The goal of this program is to engage fathers and therefore strengthen families and our community.

The class will be held at St. James Family Center from 3-6 p.m. on Saturday, January 12. Snacks and childcare will be provided. Registration is requested but not required. To register, please call Brian McClain at 795-8612 or 560-0853.