On 15 June, we were excited to welcome the fathers in for the Breakfast with Dads workshop.
Words could not describe the joy on children’s faces when they saw their fathers.
For a start, we took the opportunity to emphasize on the importance of healthy eating and encouraged fathers to do the same at home. We encouraged fathers to bring their child to the supermarket to select and purchase food products with the healthier choice symbols.
Fathers and children played the Tree and Squirrel game. It was a buoyant moment for all. Fathers formed the “trees” by raising their arm and placing their palms on each other’s palms. It was endearing to see the little “squirrel” safe under the “trees”.
Children then made breakfast for their father. We could see the beaming faces on the fathers. For many, it was the first time their child made breakfast fod them.
The next segment was eye opening as children were asked questions about their fathers. The focus was on the fathers: What is father’s favourite food? When is father’s birthday? What is father’s handphone number and What is father’s job?
Then, the focus went to the child. The fathers were asked questions about their child. What is child’s favourite colour? Who is child’s best friend? Who is child’s teacher? What does child want to do when child grows up?
Many questions were questions fathers and children may never have considered prior to this session. Yet, these questions were a start to help fathers and children to better know each other.
The finale activity was truly heartwarming. Fathers and children stood on opposite ends of the room. Fathers took turns to go forward and shout “I Love You.”. Child would then run towards the father upon hearing the father’s voice.
We all felt the tug at our heartstrings when we saw the children ran towards their father the moment they heard their father’s voice!
Affirmation from the fathers is so precious! We hope the fathers will continue to be present in their child’s life and help child to blossom and grow.
