'Laughter is a key part of being a great dad,' says family charity

A special event for dads run is telling dads that they need to be silly and have a laugh with their kids more often. Care for the Family's A Rough Guide for Dads hits the road in October.

Richard Hardy, the presenter of A Rough Guide for Dads, believes that having fun with their kids is one of the most important things dads can do.

"Every father finds it difficult to juggle life's priorities and things seem to be getting tougher," explains Hardy, a father of two. "So we need to take the time out to enjoy time with our kids - be a bit daft, make them laugh and teach them the important things in life."

However, finding the time to play an active role in a child's life is not always easy. Hardy's experience as a father will form the basis of the evening, which has already been enjoyed by hundreds of dads across the country.

The course will outline practical advice, and explore times when he has got things wrong.

"It's very important that as fathers we realise that we will make mistakes," he said. "It's then we have the opportunity to show our true character as dads - by learning from our mistakes, by apologising for them and by teaching our children to accept responsibility and act with integrity."

The main aim of A Rough Guide for Dads is to encourage fathers to give being a dad their best shot. The evening will include practical ideas on how to connect with their kids and build the best relationship possible.

"I want to give a bit of a boost to every dad who sometimes feels that he's bitten off more than he can chew," said Hardy. "Being the best dad you can takes a lot of hard work, but it's worth it. Life is never dull being a dad, even though you sometimes wish it was."


Issues covered at A Rough Guide for Dads will include:
• Confessions of a struggling Dad
• Getting over getting it wrong
• Kids need dads ~ its official!
• The challenge of two families
• It's never too late to start.

A Rough Guide for Dads will take place at:
CHELMSFORD, Central Baptist Church, Victoria Road South, CM1 1LN
Tuesday 13 November 2007, 7.30 to 10.00pm
ST ALBANS, The Sand Pit Theatre, Sandringham School, The Ridgeway, AL4 9NX
Wednesday 14 November 2007, 7.30 to 10.00pm

Tickets to A Rough Guide for Dads cost £6 and can be ordered by phoning (029) 2081 0800, or online at www.careforthefamily.org.uk/dads