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On shared parental leave with our 7 month old, so I've been going to a few baby groups around E17. Everyone's been perfectly polite but I'm basically invisible. The mums chat amongst themselves, make plans for coffee after, set up WhatsApp groups, and I'm sitting there shaking a rattle at my son.
I don't want to force myself on anyone and I'm aware a man inviting himself along can be weird. But it's a lonely few months. Anyone else been here? Did it get better?
Been there. Ended up finding a dads-only group that meets Saturday mornings. There are a few in London, look for dad groups on the usual meetup sites or ask your children's centre. Totally different vibe, a lot more 'what's your sleep situation' and less awkwardness.
Mum here. I'll be honest, part of it is people being unsure, not unwelcoming. If you said "anyone fancy a coffee after?" I reckon at least one person would say yes. Most of us were desperate for adult chat on mat leave and wouldn't care who it was with.
Had the same thing in Lewisham. What helped was going to the same session every week. By week four people started saying hello. By week eight I was in the WhatsApp group and getting tagged in nappy memes.
Find the swimming lessons. The changing rooms are where the dads end up talking because nobody can work the lockers.
Good shouts, thank you. Going to try the Saturday dads group and also be brave and ask about coffee next week. Hannah that's a helpful perspective.
Also junior parkrun later on, and the buggy runners on a Saturday. Loads of dads. Good luck mate.
Did shared parental leave a couple of years back. The library rhyme times were better for me than the paid classes, more of a mix of people, grandparents, childminders, the odd dad. Less of an established clique. Also, bring biscuits. Never fails.
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