New Dads Get the Support They Need

E.J. Webb, father of 4-year-old Alden, takes fatherhood very seriously. “You have to give your 110%,” Webb said. “Like any father, I want my son to grow up to the best person he can be.”

E.J. and his wife Leah recently begun taking a parenting education class, which are free to all parents of kids ages 5 and younger through a grant from First Things First.  The class, called “Becoming a Love and Logic Parent,” gives parents information to support their child’s learning and promote family wellbeing.

E.J. chose to take the class because he wanted to improve his communication with his son and reduce conflict. “My strategy used to be ‘you’re going to do what I say, or else’, but it wasn’t working and everyone was unhappy,” E.J. said. “It takes so much out of you to argue with somebody- especially a 4-year old.”

E.J. Webb and his 4-year-old son Alden

The class meets for two hours every week for six consecutive weeks. After just a few sessions, E.J. has already put the strategies he has learned to work. “The class has made a big difference.  It’s helping me take the fight out of things, and I’m communicating with Alden a lot better.”

E.J., who works as a Water Operator for the City of Prescott, compares taking parenting classes to professional development. “Through your job, you’re always trying to achieve next levels of certification,” E.J. said. “Parenting should be the same. The classes are free and it’s easy to learn something. Why wouldn’t parents want to learn more?”  

A calendar of parenting education classes across Yavapai County can be found at parentsaz.org.

There are several other resources in our community to help dads of young kids be the best they can be. One of them is the Birth-to-Five Helpline, a free telephone service (1-877-705-KIDS) available to any parent or caregiver of a child 5 and younger. The line is staffed by nurses, child development specialists and other early childhood professionals who can answer questions about any issue or challenge you are facing. Questions also may be submitted online at: www.swhd.org/get-help/birth-to-five-helpline.

This Father’s day, E.J. said he’ll probably have a quiet day hanging out with his family. This, he said, is one of his favorite things to do. This month, First Things First says thank you to great dads like E.J., grandpas and other father figures whose love and nurturing gives young kids the safety, security and support they need to grow and thrive. For more information about First Things First, please visit ReadyAZKids.com.