Create 'Sacred Male Spaces' for Support if Traditional Therapy Feels Uncomfortable (e.g., barbershop clinics)
Therapy couches make you itchy? Welcome to the dad zone: where the smell of aftershave, the buzz of clippers, and the sound of actual grown-up voices combine into the kind of group therapy you didn’t know you needed. Think less 'tell me about your childhood,' more 'pass the clippers and, by the way, is it normal my kid eats crayons?' If you’ve ever wanted support that feels more like hanging out and less like homework, this is your jam.
Social connection lights up the brain’s reward centers—yep, actual dopamine for just hanging out and being real. Sharing experiences in a judgment-free zone lowers stress, boosts resilience, and makes you feel less like you’re parenting on an island. For kids? A happier, less bottled-up dad means better emotional modeling and more giggles at home. It’s science (and also common sense).
How to do it
Step 1:
Find a spot that feels right—this could be a barbershop, coffee shop, garage, or even a backyard.
Step 2:
Invite a couple of other dads. Bonus points if they bring snacks.
Step 3:
Set a loose 'topic' for discussion, or just let the conversation flow naturally—from “my kid bit me” to “do you remember sleep?”
Step 4:
Keep it regular-ish, but don’t feel guilty if you miss a week.
Step 5:
Celebrate the small wins—like making it through a whole haircut without a meltdown (from you or your kid).
Tips:
- Choose a location that feels comfortable and low-pressure.
- Snacks always help break the ice.
- Don’t stress about structure; sometimes the best conversations are unplanned.
- Consistency is great, but flexibility is key.
- Remember to acknowledge and enjoy the little victories.
