The dad jokes are sure to be flying at the first Beers and Bub Connect Penticton at Bad Tattoo Brewing on Oct. 27.
The event, which runs from 1 to 4 p.m., is a chance for dads and guardians of kids aged zero to four to connect, share and hang out. Organizer Tish Stevenson, of Penticton’s Grace and Grit Doula and Photography, said she found a gap in services provided to men who are new parents and wanted to change that.
“As a doula, a lot of my focus during birth and post-partum is around supporting partners, and over the course of the last five years in this industry I’ve really noticed there is a gap for partners and fathers,” said Stevenson. “There’s a ton of community support for moms all around, prenatal and post-natal, but there’s nothing comparable in the Okanagan community that I’ve noticed in regards to support or assistance for new dads.”
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Stevenson said dads have been taking more active roles in parenting in recent years, but noted that it wasn’t long ago when this was considered outside of the norm.
“Even when I was brought up, which wasn’t that long ago, my mother was the primary. She was the one that stayed home and did the cooking and cleaning and all of that stuff. So as society changes we really are seeing a shift in roles, and fathers are more active,” said Stevenson. “I think even 15 years ago even dads weren’t allowed in the birthing suite, and in other places in the world right now fathers aren’t allowed in the birthing suite when their babies are being born. So it says a lot about equality and the idea that men aren’t included or that we’re not offering support to them.
“And to me this is very flawed because paternal depression is a very relevant thing, and one in four men experience effects of post-partum mental issues because they’re also up at night and they’re also trying to take an active role and don’t know if they’re doing it right.”
After posting in multiple Facebook groups in the area to see if local dads would be interested in attending an event like this, Stevenson said she received an overwhelming response. She said she is excited to be able to partner with Bad Tattoo for this event, and the $35 ticket price will include a beer from the brewery and buffet-style food.
Pending the turnout, Stevenson hopes to make the Beers and Bubs Connect Penticton a monthly event that could address a new topic of choice each time. Tickets are available online in advance on eventbrite.com or at the door on the day of.
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<>Jordyn Thomson | Reporter
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