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Two different Dads4Kids’ friends recently drew my attention to a fantastic initiative out of the UK called Pints and Ponytails. Started by Matthew Carter and Lawrence Price, Pints and Ponytails events offer fathers a relaxed, low-pressure space where they can learn how to style their daughters’ hair while bonding and sharing parenting experiences. As the CEO of Dads4Kids, and a father of five beautiful daughters, I wish I’d thought of such a marvellous idea myself!

The comments on the YouTube video above are telling. Jo Cleghorn writes:

“I found it emotional, the thought that fathers really want to learn these skills, which lead to different conversations with their children. Well done lads, A fantastic idea.”

And Claire Barford’s comment is encouraging:

“Amazing! I’m a 58-year-old woman who still remembers her dad putting her hair in bunches with bobbles. (an accessory used to tie and secure hair) It’s bonding for fathers and daughters and such a great time for men to support each other… keep going!”

During my daughters’ younger years, I spent countless hours brushing and drying their hair. At the time, it seemed a mindless, boring chore, but now that they’re older, I must admit I miss those precious times together. They really do grow up so fast, and as dads, it’s important to catch as much time as you can with your children.

In the BBC’s excellent article “Meet the dads learning how to style their daughters’ hair”, Matt Graveling writes about his experience attending a Pints and Ponytails event:

“‘I just want to bond with my daughter more,’ says Paul Jessop, who I met an hour earlier after he borrowed a hairband from me.

I nod in agreement, as I reach over my mannequin head to find my beer, which is surrounded by brushes, pins and leave-in conditioner. I am at a Pints and Ponytails event, with 35 other dads also being taught how to do their daughters’ hair.

Event co-founder, Matthew Carter, said: ‘It’s dads turning up who struggle with basic hairstyles. Mums, generally speaking, are the default parents, but if we can take these skills back home maybe it can take a little pressure off of mum in the morning.’

Father-of-two, Jessop, seems to be mastering the pigtails.

‘I’ve never been in a room like this before, but I’m happy to be here. My daughter is only one, but we are really close.’

Another of the attendees, father-of-two, Shaun, agrees.

‘It’s important to have conversations with other guys about what they’re going through. We don’t normally go to the pub to talk about brushing our daughters’ hair, we normally talk about football, not plaits.’

Nick Perry is a dad to an 18-month-old girl, with another daughter on the way.

‘There is such a huge appetite for these events, for men to get together and talk about their mental health and just be unashamedly proud to look after our daughters, it’s so special.’”

I could certainly learn a thing or two from these can-do hairdo dads. I’ve only ever stuck to basic ponytails (see the video below for a great how-to).

Being the only male in an all-female household, I felt it important to maintain some vestige of manliness by not engaging too much in hair play. However, the lads from Pints and Ponytails have got me questioning this approach. Perhaps I should consider something a little more advanced when it comes to helping my daughters with their hair?

Whether you’re a girl dad, a boy dad, or both, grab every possible opportunity you can to spend time with your children. As we often say here at Dads4Kids, the way kids spell L-O-V-E is T-I-M-E. Yes, working hard to build a good life for your family is important, but consistently showing them your love by giving them your time and undivided attention as much as you can is way more important.

Lovework

I hope you’re inspired and encouraged by Pints and Ponytails. I’ll be doing my best to help my daughters with their hair and will continue working towards being the best father I can be. If you’re a dad like me, make sure you do too. You won’t regret the memories you make, and you may even learn some new skills too.

Yours for pints and ponytails,
Nathaniel Marsh

PS: It’s been an action-packed week for Dads4Kids and our friends at the Canberra Declaration. On Thursday morning, I was honoured to be part of the team to help launch the Christian Freedom Index, Australia’s first comprehensive audit of Christian freedom.

You can watch the Livestream here. Massive congratulations to my parents, Dads4Kids founders Warwick and Alison Marsh, who run the Canberra Declaration, and all the team, on their amazing, history-making work.

On Friday morning, Dads4Kids were also honoured to be part of the annual Illawarra Prayer Breakfast (pictured below), another fantastic initiative that brings Christians, Church and ministry leaders from across the Illawarra region together to pray. Good things are happening.

PPS: If you’re encouraged by the work of Dads4Kids and can support our vision to help dads be the best they can be for their children, please consider making a tax-deductible donation here.

Please keep an eye on your inbox in the coming weeks, too. With End of Financial Year fast approaching, we’ll be offering an exciting opportunity for you to partner with Dads4Kids in building men, growing fathers, and changing generations. More details coming soon!

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Image via Pexels.