NYC Dads Group: Supporting Fathers Nationwide and Redefining Parenthood

Origins and Growth of NYC Dads Group

• 💡 NYC Dads Group was co-founded 16 years ago by Lance Somerfeld after the birth of his first son.
• 🚀 The organization has expanded beyond New York City to become City Dads Group, with meetups across the country.

Community and Support for Fathers

• 💬 These groups provide a space for dads to connect and discuss topics beyond sports and politics, including parenthood challenges like spit-up and in-laws.
• 🤝 The meetups serve to remind fathers that they are not alone in their parenting journey.

Evolving Views on Parenthood and Leave

• 👨‍👧 Somerfeld's daughter notes the importance of dads being equally involved in parenting, reflecting a paradigm shift.
• 🌍 While workplace changes like increased awareness of family leave are positive, Somerfeld advocates for parental leave instead of just paternity leave, emphasizing shared responsibility from the start.

Father's Day and Advice for New Dads

• 🎁 For Father's Day, Somerfeld suggests quality time or booking an experience, like a vacation, as the ideal gift.
• 🧠 New fathers are advised to find small windows of time for themselves and to continue connecting with friends to combat feelings of isolation.