We have an older couple at our parenting group and the husband has joined the meetings. I can relate to both the mums and how this dad would feel. I believe the reason why the other mums would feel uncomfortable is due to breastfeeding during the meeting. Most of the mums just flop it out and feed their babies but having an older male there would be a bit awkward. I would encourage this dad to have a chat to the organiser and have an open discussion with everyone together to reach a compromise, perhaps the mums who don’t feel comfortable bf’ing can either use a cover or head to a separate room to bf as a suggestion. Everyone should have the right to attend these meetings and should feel comfortable when they attend.

They should be ashamed of themselves! That’s despicable and I cannot believe the organisers had the audacto support such a horrible request!

• • 
  • • Ellen replied
    • 02 Sep 2022 , 8:24 am

  ---

  

  Yes I agree, very wrong indeed !

I wouldn’t mind at all. My hubby came to lots of those things when we had our twins.

I’m disgusted by this and hope it’s not true!

Wow, oh so wrong. Poor baby and me group. I am sure it isn’t the first time a dad has gone and long and won’t be the last.

Such a horrible thing to happen to that dad, he is clearly just trying to be involved and make some new friends for him and his child. Keep trying different groups until he finds the right fit.

• • 
  • • mom111059 replied
    • 31 Aug 2022 , 11:06 pm

  ---

  I hope he finds a group that is accepting.

This is so terrible. It shouldn’t matter what age you are. I can’t believe this is happening.

That is disgusting. This age of being open and helpful to everyone certainly falls down very often. This man is almost being treated like a pedophile. What is liable to happen to the next transgender person who goes along there – the one who has always wanted to be accepted as such. I think the group is at fault here, but can understand this poor man not wanting to make a fuss about it. If I were him I would be checking out other groups in his area.

That’s not right. Older parents also need a helping hand to raise their kids especially if they’re first timers. Groups like that could’ve been helpful if they don’t discriminate. I’ve met an older couple in our playgroup one time, mum is 45 and dad is 50 and they have a beautiful 4month old daughter. I can see that they love their daughter very much but still learning many things about looking after their little one. So the more they associate with other parents and kids, the more they learn how to handle and raise their own child.

They are being unreasonable, particularly the organisers. This would have been a perfect opportunity for them to talk about diversity in parenting, and provide understanding when you have had to wait so long to have your family. I can’t believe they excluded you, nor can I understand why you would make them feel uncomfortable. I don’t know if you are up for it, given your experience, but there are plenty of other groups you could try such as Gymbaroo, mini maestros etc . I wish you the best for your journey

Mum groups are brutal! Poor guy

It’s such a shame when groups like this decide to exclude anyone.

I hate reading stories like this because the dads deserve their groups too!

• • 
  • • mom111059 replied
    • 31 Aug 2022 , 11:09 pm

  ---

  Dads do deserve to belong to baby groups too but not if they are a nasty lot.

That’s terrible! A man who wants to be involved and kicked out. Disappointing

That’s horrible. I feel very sorry for this man but feel he is better off without that nasty group. Please don’t feel like everyone has those views.

Can’t believe this is happening

This is complete discrimination and honestly in this day and age just shouldn’t happen. A baby and me group is for everyone and why should age have anything to do with it? I honestly cant understand the mentality of some people.. It makes me angry..

Very wrong. I would put the complaint in writing and try to find another group. I hope he is in an area that has other options.

What the heck. It’s awesome when dads come to baby and me groups. It shouldn’t matter if you are a mum or dad or what age.

How sad is this ! I certainly wouldn’t return, but find people/groups who love to connect with you and your child. Definitely discriminating. You could write a letter/email of complaint indeed, but if it helps ?