TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — While U.S. Air Force Airmen are rigorously trained to project combat airpower globally, what kind of training prepares them for the challenges of parenthood? In an effort to address this question, Tyndall’s Family Advocacy Program has introduced “Dads: The Basics,” a one-day workshop designed by fathers, for fathers who are soon to become parents.
Tech. Sgt. Michael Dillard, the 325th Fighter Wing noncommissioned officer in charge of occupational safety and course instructor, emphasized the significance of this workshop, stating, “Becoming a parent is a significant life event, and it can be especially challenging for military fathers who face deployments, long hours, or changes in work schedules. Providing resources like ‘Dads: The Basics’ helps military fathers better navigate their new roles and responsibilities and contribute to their overall well-being.”
This comprehensive workshop covers a wide range of topics, including attachment, pregnancy, diapering, fatherhood, communication, labor, and delivery. Moreover, it equips fathers with essential tools to handle common parenting challenges, such as soothing a crying baby. Participants also receive a diaper bag filled with valuable resources and donations from both Tyndall Air Force Base and the local community.
The approach to this workshop is not only informative but also engaging, instilling confidence and humor into the participants. As Tech. Sgt. Dillard recounted, “I was really impressed with my instructor’s confidence and humor surrounding fatherhood. He put my mind at ease by answering all my questions with practical advice. Because of the way I felt after taking the course, I wanted to help other dads have that same reassurance.”
Andrea Bright, a 325th Medical Group Family Advocacy intervention specialist, highlighted the challenges that deployments, frequent relocations, and long family separations can pose to the parent-child relationship. The unique military lifestyle, with its constant uncertainty, can lead to emotional stress for both parents and children, prompting the need for a workshop like “Dads: The Basics.” This class is held once a quarter and is taught by previous participants or those who wish to give back.
Dillard shared his personal experience, saying, “I was introduced to the course prior to the birth of my first child. I went to a few parenting classes with my wife, but this one was different. It’s a no-judgment zone where we open up about our concerns surrounding fatherhood. We cover topics that might not be as easily discussed with another parent in the room. When you leave the class, you are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to be a successful father.”
The workshop’s primary goal is to establish a strong parental support system within military families and foster a sense of community among all fathers, regardless of their installation or career field. The Family Advocacy office at Tyndall also offers additional support systems for new parents, such as home visits with registered nurses, parenting and stress management courses, and information on child growth and development.
“People love to give new parents advice on how to be successful,” Dillard added. “There are some truths that apply to all children, and we make sure to cover the essential elements in the course. The instructors do share tips and tricks that worked for us, but we stress the importance of staying flexible and offering parents grace. At the end of the day, we want a healthy baby and present, loving fathers.”
