Dad’ll fix it but not if you don’t know how

Fatherhood can be daunting and for North St Marys’ Nigel Doecke, welcoming his son was like stepping into cold water. But talks can change everything.

Nigel with son Toby 17-months. Nigel Doecke from St Mary will be attending the Dad's conference on how to be a better dad.

â–  WHAT: Talks and seminars for dads, mums, teachers, counsellors, youth workers

■ WHERE: Fusion Western Sydney Youth and Community Centre, 12 Carsons Lane, St Marys

■ WHEN: Thursday, August 7, from 7.30pm, and Friday, August 8, 9am-4pm

■ COST: $100 or $80 concession; $15 for Thursday night only

■ BOOKINGS/DETAILS: fusionwesternsydney.org.auok or 8805 5900

It’s far from Daddy Day Care but it will prepare men for their important role in the family — fatherhood.

Fusion Western Sydney’s About Dads conference will see new and old parents gather at St Marys next week to hear talks on how to be better dads.

FWS families department manager Sallie Hammond said the conference aimed to bring “quality” speakers who will give practical advice for families.

Ian Grant will give two “How to” talks at the conference.

Nick Farr-Jones will share his experience of taking his family and sporting life seriously, while in the public eye.

Former Wallabies captain Nick Farr-Jones will open the two-day conference, which will later see best-selling author Ian Grant give two presentations.

Mrs Hammond said having Farr-Jones share his experience from taking his family and sporting life very seriously, while in the public eye, would connect with a lot of dads at the conference.

She said they will be talking about things people can incorporate into their family life, and equip and inspire families for the tough and challenging job.

RELATED: Fatherhood struggle for first-timers

RELATED: Football star changes outlook after fatherhood

RELATED: Age adds risk to fatherhood

For North St Marys’ Nigel Doecke, welcoming his first child 17 months ago was like stepping into cold water.

He hopes the conference will put him on the right path, with practical tips on how to become a better father.

“Aussie blokes are supposed to fix things, but as a dad, if you don’t know how to fix things, then you simply don’t know,” Mr Doecke said.

He said he felt disempowered, blank and lost when his son Toby was born.

For Mr Doecke, it made sense to learn from people who were experienced rather than learn from the same mistakes everyone made.

Nigel Doecke says as a dad, “if you don’t know then you simply don’t know”. Picture: CARMELA ROCHE

“When I have been open to sharing my experience with others, even my wife, the journey has been better than when I tried to work things out on my own and hold it in,” he said.

Mr Doecke is hoping he may learn from Nick Farr-Jones’ balance of life, a career in football and still raising a family.

“When I first sought help it was because I thought I had failed and wasn’t doing good enough as a dad, but I’ve already learnt heaps more ... it’s the life of your child we’re talking about and you can’t compare it with anything else.”

The conference is set to give those looking for more guidance on father parenting a fresh inspiration.

Join us on Facebook