It’s been tough for new dad Marc* to be away from his baby daughter, Mandy*. He missed her birth and hasn’t been home to help his partner Riva* through the first months of having a newborn.
Thankfully, he’s still managed to bond with his daughter and be part of her life from her first months through the SHINE for Kids Playgroup program.
We first met Marc before his daughter was born. He was in our parenting program, Bringing Up Great Kids, in preparation for becoming a dad. Our team asked if he’d like to join the Playgroup program after she was born, and he jumped at the chance.
From day one, the two have had a lovely and natural relationship. Marc has loved reading to his new baby, and whenever she’s unsettled, he’s been comfortable asking our team for help.
This one-on-one time together has been invaluable in helping Mandy and Marc bond, and Riva noted that it’s great that he’s getting experience being a parent, so he’ll be more prepared when he returns home.
“She is my reason to never come back here. Once I am out, I never want to leave her again.”
It’s also helped Riva and Marc’s relationship that they can share experiencing their baby’s milestones together.
Our team has loved watching this special relationship grow, saying, “Seeing him read to her, settle her when she is grizzly, and then have her fall asleep in his arms is a powerful reminder of the importance of programs like Playgroup.”
“It has been wonderful to observe his vulnerability and gentleness with Mandy … as a first-time dad, he has shared his joy with us, things like discovering how tiny her feet are to getting to know her personality!
He told me the other day that ‘being in the sunshine makes Mandy happy’, which was very sweet.”
It’s clear that Marc loved Playgroup and is very grateful for its support for his new family.
“He always offers to help set up and pack away the Playgroup equipment,” said our team, “having this time with his baby has changed his outlook on life.”
Marc told SHINE for Kids “She is my reason to never come back here. Once I am out, I never want to leave her again.”
Thanks to all of Marc and Riva’s hard work in helping him be the best dad he can be while away, their future is hopeful, and the family is looking forward to reuniting for good.
Thank you to the AMC Family Team, who work alongside SHINE for Kids to identify participants and facilitate their participation.
*Names changed to protect participant’s identities.
11-year-old David* has had a really tough start in life, with both parents in and out of custody and very little contact with them. David’s experiences have led to emotional regulation […]
This is the story of how Mike*, an Aboriginal dad in custody, turned from active program participant to respected leader and mentor to other dads going through what he has. In […]
For three little boys and their dad in custody, staying connected is key to their wellbeing, and dads aim to make a new life for himself when he’s released. Mark* (8), […]