Barbara C. Wilson Preschool Dads Form Community Through Fathers’ Group
The Barbara C. Wilson Preschool (BCW) Fathers’ Group is a community for dads to build camaraderie and overcome the isolation that can come in raising a child with developmental disabilities and delays.
Through a lively group chat and events, dads relax and talk while doing something as simple as watching a game. The Fathers’ Group gives dads a chance enjoy each other’s friendship and build a solid network of support with one another
“It’s a sense of comfort to be able to talk to people and bounce ideas off each other and not be judged, ask ‘How is your kid doing’ and ‘What are you doing as far as this goes’ and understand that everyone is in the same boat as you,” said Greg Warga, who is currently leading the group.
Last year, Greg and Brianna Warga became very close with fellow parents from their son Connor’s classroom. Outside of class, the parents would bring their children together for meetups, while the parents also became friends.
“I got very close with three or four of the fathers. It was very nice to have other dads that understand what it’s like to go to work and come home and be super involved with your child’s care,” Greg said. “My son’s birthday was over the summer, and we had a birthday at my house. Everyone from my son’s class came in the middle of the summer when school was out.”
Through the BCW Parents’ Association, Greg and Brianna had the opportunity to meet more parents from other classrooms. Through events in and outside of school, kids can enjoy fun activities such as movies, a harvest festival, and time on the playground, and parents can form a community with one another.
“We found a lot of solace in a community of parents who are going through similar things as we are,” said Greg. “It’s hard to find a tribe that understands.”