The UK government is to pilot a new series of parenthood lessons targeted solely at dads-to-be in an attempt to reverse what Work and Pensions secretary Iain Duncan Smith has called the “collapse of the two-parent family”. Revealing that a million children grow up without the influence of a father, Duncan Smith announced that the trial schemes will operate in areas of Britain with increased rates of families splitting up, including Merseyside, the North East and London.
A board of charities will develop the classes, which will be for men only and will concentrate on improving communication skills and details on where to go to find support.
An interesting idea and an important recognition of the importance of fatherhood but, of course, most learning is done on the job and official advice always seems to miss out the practical stuff that you really need to know.
Let’s hope they are voluntary and not condescending.. Real experience would be a better trial..