Fatherhood as Path
There’s an opportunity here.
Most of us weren’t prepared for the challenges of being a dad: balancing work and home, navigating roles around the house, and being emotionally present for our kids in a way that our own fathers perhaps didn’t always model. We’re stressed, confused, and overwhelmed. But what if we could use this time as an opportunity to stretch and grow to meet these challenges? And what if we had the support of other dads to do it?
Most of us weren’t prepared for the challenges of being a dad: balancing work and home, navigating roles around the house, and being emotionally present for our kids in a way that our own fathers perhaps didn’t always model. We’re stressed, confused, and overwhelmed. But what if we could use this time as an opportunity to stretch and grow to meet these challenges? And what if we had the support of other dads to do it?
|
The Fatherhood as Path group is an opportunity for male-identified parents to connect over a shared goal: being the dads we want to be. We take the time to be real about our difficulties—sleeplessness, loneliness, spouses, and all the rest—and help each other problem-solve. And we make space to reflect on our values and priorities, not only as dads but as men and as people overall.
Most of us are longing to take on our role as fathers with more intention and purpose. Instead of keeping this longing to ourselves, let’s share it with others who feel the same way: together, we’re going to gently guide ourselves along the path of fatherhood. |
During the 8-week session, the themes we cover will range from the outside forces we're contending with to the internal journeys we're going through, including:
- Juggling multiple pressures from work and home
- Communicating with partners and spouses
- The constant presence of loneliness
- Kids, vulnerability, feelings, and connection
- Frustration, irritation, impatience, rage
- How does being a dad fit into the rest of my life?
- Taking care of ourselves — and, even worse, asking for help!
- Acceptance, change, and letting go
- Our values and purpose as fathers
|
Meet ZekeZeke Reich is a psychotherapist who specializes in working with dads, and, more important, a father of three. This group is founded on his own experiences of growing into his identity as a dad, which has entailed stretching in all kinds of new directions from “how do I take a breath and connect with my annoying kid?" to "how do I step up to learn how to do family meal planning?"
For a long time, Zeke himself didn’t have a space to process the complexities of this journey in a non-judgmental way: in the Fatherhood as Path group, his goal is to use his background in psychology, meditation, and group facilitation to create a space where other dads can authentically reflect on who they are and who they want to be. Please note that this group is not intended to provide psychotherapy, health care, or social work, and isn’t reimbursable by health insurance. |
Upcoming Fatherhood as Path Groups:
Winter In-Person Group Fridays
Dates: Fridays, January 23 - March 13 (8 weeks)
Time: 11:30am-12:30pm
Facilitator: Zeke Reich
Winter Virtual Group Wednesdays [WAITLIST]
Dates: Wednesdays, January 14 - March 4 (8 weeks)
Time: 12:00-1:00pm
Facilitator: Zeke Reich
Winter Virtual Group Fridays
Dates: January 23 - March 13 (8 weeks)
Time: 10:00-11:00am
Facilitator: Zeke Reich
Dates: Fridays, January 23 - March 13 (8 weeks)
Time: 11:30am-12:30pm
Facilitator: Zeke Reich
Winter Virtual Group Wednesdays [WAITLIST]
Dates: Wednesdays, January 14 - March 4 (8 weeks)
Time: 12:00-1:00pm
Facilitator: Zeke Reich
Winter Virtual Group Fridays
Dates: January 23 - March 13 (8 weeks)
Time: 10:00-11:00am
Facilitator: Zeke Reich
Cost: We offer a sliding scale where you can choose the registration rate that best aligns with your circumstances:
Standard Rate — $350 — Covers our expenses and keeps the collective on a sustainable path
Reduced Rate* — $300 — For those who need financial support
Pay It Forward Rate — $375 — For those who can afford to pay a little more to support our scholarship program
*If you would like to participate but the cost of the group at the reduced rate is a challenge or you would like to set-up a payment plan please complete our scholarship request form or contact us.
Standard Rate — $350 — Covers our expenses and keeps the collective on a sustainable path
Reduced Rate* — $300 — For those who need financial support
Pay It Forward Rate — $375 — For those who can afford to pay a little more to support our scholarship program
*If you would like to participate but the cost of the group at the reduced rate is a challenge or you would like to set-up a payment plan please complete our scholarship request form or contact us.
|
Location:
In-person groups are held in-person in Silver Spring, MD near the Sligo Avenue Neighborhood Park. If it is above 65 degrees, we'll meet outdoors on a screened-in porch. Meetings on days below 65 degrees will be in an indoor playroom with a high quality air purifier. The exact address will be sent to participants upon registration. Participants may also attend virtually. There is ample free street parking. We are about 1 mile from both the Silver Spring and Takoma metro stations and there are also busses from each of the stations that stop a block away (the 16 bus from Silver Spring and the 14 bus from Takoma). |
Additional Fatherhood as Path groups will start throughout the year. If you are interested in a future group, please submit the form below and we'll be in touch to confirm your interest and include you in our next group.
We strive to host groups that are inclusive, accessible spaces for all dad-identifying people, including those with disabilities, to engage in. If you have an accessibility need please mention it in the form below and we'll follow up with you directly.
We strive to host groups that are inclusive, accessible spaces for all dad-identifying people, including those with disabilities, to engage in. If you have an accessibility need please mention it in the form below and we'll follow up with you directly.
Fatherhood as Path FAQ
Who can join?
We welcome ALL dads and embrace diversity in background, sexual orientation, age, race, religion, etc. This group is envisioned as best fitting the needs and opportunities of dads of preschoolers-to-middle-schoolers, but we’re potentially open to dads at any stage.
How many people will be in my group? What will they be like?
Each group will have between 4-9 dads. We're all settling into parenting but still have lots of questions, want to parent with consciousness and intention, and be part of a community.
What if I need accommodations for a disability?
We strive to host groups that are inclusive, accessible spaces for all dad-identifying people, including those with disabilities, to engage in. If you have an accessibility need please mention it in the registration form and we'll follow up with you directly.
What do we talk about during the sessions?
Each meeting, we check in and then address a topic through discussion and activities, starting with some of the themes mentioned above but also open to issues currently on the mind of group members. At the end of each meeting we make space for wrap-up reflection and create an opportunity for anyone who wants to set a small stretch goal for the coming week and benefit from group accountability.
Why is an organization for “Mamas” offering groups for dads?
The Mama Love Collective began as a mom-focused community, but we’re expanding! We keep hearing that dads need a place to connect and get support too—though not always the same kind of support that moms are looking for. Our Fatherhood as Path
group, along with our Men With Babies group, are new projects, dedicated to creating a space that speaks to the particular challenges and opportunities of fatherhood.
Why should I join?
Being a dad is hard work, and most of us are in way over our heads without the help we need. Together, we can keep ourselves going and figure out what it takes to thrive.
Can I drop-in to one week or start mid-session?
Unfortunately, after the second session we aren’t able to have drop-ins or late starts because our goal is to connect and build a shared space. But keep your eye out for future offerings later this fall!
What if I am going to miss a week? Is there a way to make-up?
Due to the fixed length of the group, there are no make-ups.
What if I changed my mind? Can I get a refund?
Refunds (minus a processing fee) are available up to two weeks ahead of the start date. Cancellations made between two weeks and one week before the start of the group receive a 50% refund. No refunds are available after one week prior to the start date.
Can I give Fatherhood as Path as a gift?
Absolutely! It's a wonderful alternative to more "stuff." Simply contact us and we'll provide you with a personalized gift certificate.
Have another question? Please contact us.
We welcome ALL dads and embrace diversity in background, sexual orientation, age, race, religion, etc. This group is envisioned as best fitting the needs and opportunities of dads of preschoolers-to-middle-schoolers, but we’re potentially open to dads at any stage.
How many people will be in my group? What will they be like?
Each group will have between 4-9 dads. We're all settling into parenting but still have lots of questions, want to parent with consciousness and intention, and be part of a community.
What if I need accommodations for a disability?
We strive to host groups that are inclusive, accessible spaces for all dad-identifying people, including those with disabilities, to engage in. If you have an accessibility need please mention it in the registration form and we'll follow up with you directly.
What do we talk about during the sessions?
Each meeting, we check in and then address a topic through discussion and activities, starting with some of the themes mentioned above but also open to issues currently on the mind of group members. At the end of each meeting we make space for wrap-up reflection and create an opportunity for anyone who wants to set a small stretch goal for the coming week and benefit from group accountability.
Why is an organization for “Mamas” offering groups for dads?
The Mama Love Collective began as a mom-focused community, but we’re expanding! We keep hearing that dads need a place to connect and get support too—though not always the same kind of support that moms are looking for. Our Fatherhood as Path
group, along with our Men With Babies group, are new projects, dedicated to creating a space that speaks to the particular challenges and opportunities of fatherhood.
Why should I join?
Being a dad is hard work, and most of us are in way over our heads without the help we need. Together, we can keep ourselves going and figure out what it takes to thrive.
Can I drop-in to one week or start mid-session?
Unfortunately, after the second session we aren’t able to have drop-ins or late starts because our goal is to connect and build a shared space. But keep your eye out for future offerings later this fall!
What if I am going to miss a week? Is there a way to make-up?
Due to the fixed length of the group, there are no make-ups.
What if I changed my mind? Can I get a refund?
Refunds (minus a processing fee) are available up to two weeks ahead of the start date. Cancellations made between two weeks and one week before the start of the group receive a 50% refund. No refunds are available after one week prior to the start date.
Can I give Fatherhood as Path as a gift?
Absolutely! It's a wonderful alternative to more "stuff." Simply contact us and we'll provide you with a personalized gift certificate.
Have another question? Please contact us.