New York Family Magazine Recognizes Fathers of All Stripes

The editor and co-publisher of New York Family Magazine, Eric Messinger, is an involved father. How do I know this? Well, if you frequently read their free weekly e-newsletter like I do, you would know by his personalized notes on “parenting with sense and sensibility” describing his trials and tribulations with parenting his own children. Secondly, he has been instrumental in supporting our NYC Dads Group. Lastly, pick up the new June issue of New York Family Magazine and you will realize from the significant amount of real estate they devote to dads. Most dads know that June is the month that the media focuses on fathers. Most newspapers, broadcast shows, or magazines have their token heartwarming article about dad. The New York Family Magazine June issue has over 15 pages devoted to dads! If you are a dad (or any parent in NYC for that matter) and don’t read this resourceful & engaging magazine or subscribe to their weekly e-newsletter – you are missing the boat!

In Messinger’s opening editor’s note, he states “I’m going to extrapolate and recommend this special June issue as the rare parenting magazine that might genuinely engage fathers. Certainly we’ve tried our best to discuss, reflect and celebrate the complicated richness of being a dad at this time in our society.” He is absolutely correct in this statement. The magazine covers a children’s book author, an environmental advocate, the Chairman of the NYC Housing Authority, the founder of the Max Cure Foundation, an inspiring dad who was diagnosed with cancer (worried his daughters would grow up without a dad) and enlisted six of his friends to take his place, local morning CBS anchor – Maurice DuBois – sharing his story of fatherhood, and so much more including a focus piece on the NYC Dads Group.

If you continue reading the editor’s note, it was hard for me to not be personally touched(that sharp sense of reward in your gut where the hair stands up on your neck when reading it) when he shared this personal story:

The other day I was sharing an elevator ride in my building with a mom and dad and their big-cheeked, three-month old cutie. As I cooed about the baby, the father mentioned to me that he really liked an item we had in one of our weekly e-newsletters about the NYC Dads Group, a local father’s group (featured in the issue – link below) that does an excellent job of bringing together dads for playgroups and lectures, and really for friendship.

I only know my neighbor well enough to say that he’s friendly and burly. But how nice that an item from a parenting newsletter resonated strongly enough with him that he remembered it. And how nice that we’ve gotten to a place in our society that dads are now so involved with raising their children that they themselves feel like it might be a good idea to be part of a supportive group of other fathers in much the same way moms have been for years. And I don’t think my neighbor is an at-home dad either.

As you can understand, I sit at my computer writing this entry with a true sense of pride and purpose. I sit here knowing that my favorite parenting magazine “really gets” what the NYC Dads Group is all about – a caring and active bunch of fathers who enjoy spending quality time with their children during the day who want to connect with one another! Please take the time to read the New York Family Magazine personal piece on myself and learn a little more about what the NYC Dads Group are all about:

MOVING BEYOND “Mr. Mom” written by Michelle Levine.

Still seeking more? Who is the NYC Dads Group?

NYC Dads Group is a diverse group of over 200 members providing at-home dads and other involved fathers an opportunity to socialize and support each other as we navigate parenthood. We, along with our kids, meet at least weekly at various venues around the city including museums, parks, zoos, indoor play-areas, parent-and-me classes, etc. There are not enough resources, support, or services for Dads in New York City. This group is the pioneer in achieving more for Dads in NYC!

NYC Dads Group started in November 2008 as a small playgroup—enjoying visits at local kid-friendly restaurants, zoos, and museums whenever possible. Thanks to our creative and energetic members, the group has hosted other activities including baby sign-language class, children’s yoga, an excursion to Governor’s Island, playtime at indoor play-spaces, live theater, picnics, playground tours, dad’s nights out, author discussions, film screenings, parenting enrichment workshops, and more! Most events are free or low-cost.

NYC Dads Group is composed of full-time at home dads, part-time at home dads, dads who work full-time in an office, freelance journalists, photographers, teachers with ample vacation and summers off, self-employed guys, work from home fathers, numerous dads who chose their role to be an at-home dad, a few forced into the role by the economy, dads born on U.S. soil, guys born abroad, fellas of all ethnic backgrounds, dads who are diehards that come to all of the events, dads who only attend events in their neighborhood, and some dads who don’t attend any group events.” Matt S., our vice-organizer pointed out that “this is no longer a “stay-at-home” Dads group. NYC is full of Dads spending time with their kids during the day, and this group welcomes Dads of all stripes.

NYC Dads Group also manages this blog: The DESTINATION for caring and involved dads looking for interesting thoughts, relevant news and articles, children’s venue reviews, as well as playgroup information. This blog helps build community and creates a support network of involved fathers as we navigate parenthood.

• Visit our meet-up group website to join or learn more about the NYC Dads Group

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