Shows

Engaging fathers on the importance of the early years

Presented by Keith Read

DadsWA

Keith will draw on his clinical experience and the widespread research to explain how fathers see their role and influence on their children’s development in the early years, the challenges today's fathers are facing and the information and support fathers are seeking to be more involved in parenting their children. Some unique ways that fathers can have a positive effect on their children will be discussed based on interesting new research. The principles and philosophies underpinning the programs for fathers delivered at DadsWA Ngala will be presented.

Keith has worked with men and fathers for ten years. He currently coordinates the DadsWA program with WA’s leading parenting agency, Ngala. Through the DadsWA Program, Keith facilitates antenatal sessions for expectant dads at King Edward Memorial Hospital, workshops and playgroups for dads, and provides phone and email consultations for dads. He developed the very popular Raising Girls for Dads and Raising Teenage Girls for Dads workshops at Relationships Australia. Keith provides professional development around engaging fathers to Midwives at KEMH and Child Health nurses. He also regularly presents at conferences and as a guest University lecturer. On behalf of Ngala, Keith is working with the ORIGINS team from the Telethon Kids Institute to examine the impact of a targeted antenatal session for fathers at the Joondalup Health Campus. He has recently been invited to be a part of the Edith Cowan University Better Together Reference Group looking at perinatal and infant mental health services in Wanneroo/Joondalup. Keith is a founding member of the WA Father of the Year Award Organising Committee. He has a degree and postgraduate diploma in Psychology and a degree in Physical Education. He is a passionate advocate for the positive contribution fathers make to their children, family, and communities. Keith is the Father of two adult children.