Father’s Day Explosion

As expected, the Father’s Day explosion is happening – on the media front, with events, and with the loads of spam mailings regarding the “perfect gift” for father’s day.  Let’s highlight some of the more interesting happenings & events:

*Last night, I attended an advance screening of a “must see” documentary, The Kids Grow Up by Doug Block. Interested? Check it out on HBO on Father’s Day!  Then, I had the distinct pleasure to listen in on the Dad 2.0 Panel following the film. Here is some more information about this event:  In advance of the HBO premiere on Fathers Day (June 19), HBO hosted an NYC screening of The Kids Grow Up for bloggers and press. Following the film, The panel featured Roland Warren, President of the National Fatherhood Initiative, and acclaimed parent bloggers Doug French (Laid Off Dad) and Catherine Conners (Her Bad Mother) as well as director, Doug Block. It certainly expanded on the changing notions of fatherhood explored in the film, and explained more about the exciting active, engaged, and nurturing Dad movement.

*Thursday night, June 16, is the presentation of the first NYC DADS Matter Awards. The event will promote the importance of responsible fatherhood by recognizing 10 fathers from across the City who overcame challenges to become positive and consistent forces in the lives of their children. The event will also celebrate the one year anniversary of the launch of the Mayor’s Fatherhood Initiative, highlight the City’s progress in making our agencies “father friendly” and help create memorable moments between fathers and their children.

*Thursday night, June 16, is the PAMPERS FIRST FATHER’S DAY COOK-OUT CELEBRATION.  Yes, when I was initially contacted by them, I was surprised that they are finally reaching out to dads.  Either way, this sounds like a fun and free evening.  There is still some room left so RSVP ASAP and have fun.  Details below:

Pampers Celebrates Dads – And Their Little Miracles – at their First Father’s Day Cook-Out Celebration on June 16th
WHAT: From late-night feedings to diaper duty, there’s no doubt that dads do their fair share for their little miracles – their babies! And, just in time for Father’s Day weekend, Pampers is paying homage to dads and all that they do at our First Father’s Day Cook-Out Celebration, an event designed to toast new and expectant fathers and provide them with the recognition that they deserve!
Come join us alongside celebrity parents, including Drew Lachey, James van der Beek and the New York Jets’ Shonne Greene, and local families as we celebrate dads with a night filled with all those things to delight them on their special day: delicious grill and BBQ fare AND bonding time with their baby, family and fellow dads.
WHEN: Thursday, June 16, 2011
5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Stage 37
508 West 37th street (between 10th and 11th Avenues)
New York, NY 10018
The Pampers First Father’s Day Cook Out Celebration will feature delicious BBQ fare and interactive dad and baby bonding activities including:
Photo Fun, Dad and Baby Handprint Station, Crafts Corner
Acceptance based on First come, first served RSVP’s:
RSVP: James McQueen
james.mcqueen@painepr.com
212-613-4928

*The following free Evolution of Dad screening is scheduled for this Sunday: June 19th, 7pm – The Manhattan Theater Source, 177 MacDougal Street, New York City.  An amazing & powerful documentary on Fatherhood.   
*The launch of Jim Higley’s new book on fatherhood – BobbleHead Dad: 25 Life Lessons I Forgot I Knew.  Check out the details of our conversation with Jim from a few weeks ago.
 
*Of course, New York Family Magazine is an awesome resource for all dads with local events, happenings, and ideas.  Check out their Father’s Day Your Way: A Fantastic Guide To Celebrating Father’s Day In The City!

* Finally, Registration for the 16th Annual At-Home Dads Convention in Washington DC on October 8 is now available at http://www.athomedadconvention.com/.  Among numerous workshops, inspirational panel discussions, a low convention fee, and fun dinners and drinks with the dudes…The Featured Speaker will be Dr. Aaron Rochlen of the University of Texas who has done the most in-depth research on at-home dads in recent years. He will present his study on the WIVES of at-home dads which should be VERY enlightening and may provide clues on ways you may be able to improve your relationship.
 
I am hopeful that I held your attention this long, so we will stop here.  Of course, I am only able to mention a few happenings and events…so Please feel free to comment or share other exciting events revolving around involved fathers.