RESOURCES & SUPPORT
A lot of men don’t talk about how hard fatherhood can be until they’re in a room with other dads who say it first. Support groups for fathers give you that room. Whether you’re a new dad running on no sleep, a single father, a stepdad or a dad navigating divorce, sitting with men who understand can make a real difference.
Practical questions about babies, sleep and relationships. See the first-time dads support group.
Juggling everything solo, custody schedules and dating. Visit the single dads support network.
Working with an ex, stepkids and new partners. Read about co-parenting and blended families.
Dads who meet to work out, hike or do projects with their kids, where talk happens naturally.
Forums, video meetups and chat rooms for dads with tough schedules or no local options.
Most groups start with introductions and a short check-in: how’s your week, what’s on your mind. Some have a topic or guest speaker; others are open discussion. You don’t have to share anything you’re not ready to. Listening is enough the first time.
Good groups keep what’s said private and avoid judging. If a group feels like a competition or a lecture, try another. It’s normal to visit a couple before one feels right.
Start by asking where you already are. Hospitals often run new-parent groups. Churches, community centers and family resource centers may host fathers’ groups. The National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse at fatherhood.gov lists fatherhood programs, and dialing 211 can connect you to local services.
If you can’t find something nearby, online communities fill the gap. Phenomenal Fatherhood’s community site has discussion and forum areas, and the 24/7 Phenomenal Fatherhood Room is always open. See also local community centers and online forums and communities.
Dad groups and programs like Phenomenal Fatherhood’s Ask a Dad provide peer support: one father sharing experience with another. That’s valuable, but it isn’t therapy, legal counsel or medical care. If you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, substance use, a custody battle or thoughts of self-harm, pair group support with a professional. In a crisis, call or text 988.
See counseling services and legal and custody support resources for next steps.
Can’t find the right group? Start one. Invite three or four dads from your kid’s school, team or neighborhood. Pick a consistent time and place, like the first Saturday breakfast of the month or a weeknight video call. Agree on a few ground rules: confidentiality, no fixing unless asked, phones away.
Keep it light at first. Activity-based meetups, like a father-child activity day or a pickup basketball game, can grow into deeper conversations over time.
FAQ
Usually introductions, a check-in, and either open discussion or a topic. You can listen without sharing at first. Good groups are confidential and nonjudgmental.
Ask your hospital, pediatrician, church, community center or school. Check fatherhood.gov’s program listings, dial 211, or join an online community like Phenomenal Fatherhood’s if local options are limited.
Yes, especially for dads with irregular schedules, rural locations or privacy concerns. Online groups offer connection any time, though some dads like to combine them with in-person meetups.
No. Most groups welcome dads who just want to listen at first. Many men find that after hearing others share, they’re more comfortable opening up at their own pace.
Keep going
Resources & Support for DadsResources for dads in one place: how to choose books and podcasts, find a support group, pick useful apps and reach crisis lines. Find what fits you today.
Support Groups for DadsSupport groups for dads: how to find a local or online fathers’ group, what a good meeting looks like, and which one fits your season. Find your group.Single Dads Support NetworkA single dads support network helps solo fathers juggle work, school runs, meals and loneliness. Find backup, peer groups and practical help now.First-Time Dads Support GroupA first-time dads support group helps new fathers handle the newborn stage, sleep loss and big emotions alongside other new dads. Find a group today.
Online Forums and Communities for DadsOnline communities for dads give you real talk any hour. Learn how to pick a good forum, stay safe and join the Phenomenal Fatherhood community today.Ask a question, meet other dads in the 24/7 room, or join the community for resources and support at every stage.
Join our 24/7 Room to meet and talk with other dads
Join Today