The Fathering Project initiative helping dads at Geraldton Primary School bond with their kids

Being a dad can be tough, but one Geraldton school is helping local father figures be the best parents they can be.

The Geraldton Primary School Dads Group was formed about three years ago as part of The Fathering Project, a national initiative aimed at improving child development outcomes by equipping fathers and father figures to effectively engage with their kids.

The school last week hosted a soccer and barbecue evening, with other group activities including camping nights and catch-ups just for dads.

They are balancing up how they can choose between putting food on the table versus being in touch with their kids and going to their stuff.

“The whole initiative of The Fathering Project is getting dads more confident being with their kids, just encouraging them in different ways,” he said.

Mr Palmer said the Dads Group had received much positive feedback over the years, with the events popular with parents and their children.

“The kids just love that their dads dedicate the time to come out together,” he said.

“Often dads just have the chance to chat and get to know each other a bit as well.”

Mr Palmer said demanding jobs and fly-in, fly-out work often made it difficult for parents to spend time with their children.

“Some of the guys are experiencing the call of work on their life and that they are contactable 24/7 in some of their roles,” he said. “Some of them are FIFO dads so they can’t always be around at the same time their kids have something on.

“They are balancing up how they can choose between putting food on the table versus being in touch with their kids and going to their stuff.”