New Dadvice web series tells it as it really is
THEY are the men willing to go where their dads feared to tread. They have learnt the hard way that you can’t fit a baby seat without reading the instructions. They have considered the environment, but gone disposable anyway. They can wipe noses, tears and bums in a single swipe.
While there is much love, joy and humour in becoming a parent, new dads can do it tough and often without professional support.
Beyondblue has a web series, Dadvice.org.au, with funding from the Movember Foundation, to help stressed-out dads.
Dadvice features 12 brand new fathers sharing the joys and sleep-deprived disasters of their baby's’ first weeks of life in a series of dad video diaries hosted by comedian Ben Lomas.
beyondblue Chairman The Hon. Jeff Kennett AC says research commissioned by the organisation in 2015 found new dads were more reluctant than their partners to seek assistance if they felt overwhelmed by parenthood.
“We know new mums have a very challenging time,” said Mr Kennett. “But we sometimes forget that dads are in the thick of it too.
“This series is saying to new dads that you’re not alone if you’re finding parenthood tougher than you expected and there are things you can do to look after yourself.
“Becoming a dad brings all kinds of changes to your life. The advice on the website is practical and designed to help dads manage the day-to-day reality of fatherhood.”
Paul Villanti, Executive Director of the Movember Foundation, said the organisation is passionate about supporting new dads as they transition into their new role and adjust to a huge life change.
“Thanks to funds raised by the Movember community, we’re able to invest in projects to support men through significant times of change in their lives, like becoming a father. Through the launch of Dadvice, we’re giving blokes practical tips and advice to navigate the tricky terrain of parenthood,” said Mr Villanti.
Dadvice.org.au, includes recommendations on how new dads can deal with sleep deprivation and the effect on your working life and general health, pressure on your relationship with your partner; falling out of touch with your mates and routines and time to yourself being turned upside down.
Asthma Apps for Kids project - calling for participants
ONE in 10 Australian children have asthma - with the highest prevalence in children aged five to 11 years. Children under 15 are also more likely to be hospitalised as a result of their asthma (470 per 100,000 population) than those aged 15 and over.
While there is currently no cure for asthma, good management can control the disease and prevent symptoms from occurring or worsening, and self-management programmes for children with asthma have shown to be effective and Smartphone apps can assist in delivering these.
The Asthma Apps for Kids project is trying to better understand how young children and their parents interact with asthma apps and ultimately what they want from asthma management strategies.
The study is currently recruiting participants aged six to 11 and their parent or carer who are based in NSW, QLD, VIC or SA. Eligible participants will be asked to complete a questionnaire (approximately 30 mins) and participate in a focus group and/or a user-testing session of asthma apps (approximately one hour).
A $50 Westfield gift voucher will be given to each family to acknowledge their valuable contribution to research.
Asthma Apps for Kids project is a key initiative of Caretrack Kids – a collaboration between Macquarie University, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, the University of New South Wales the University of South Australia and Bupa with other institutions – that investigates the appropriateness and safety of healthcare received by children.
For more information go to www.caretrackaustralia.org.au