Becoming a dad can feel like stepping into the unknown. The Father’s Apprenticeship workshop is designed to make that step feel more grounded, purposeful, and supported. Whether you’re weeks away from holding your first child or already deep in the trenches of fatherhood, this workshop helps you navigate the journey with clarity and confidence.

We focus on helping men become more intentional in their parenting, more present in their relationships, and more aware of the legacy they’re building. This isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being present. It’s about showing up in a way that shapes your child’s life for the better.

Fatherhood isn’t what it used to be—and that’s a good thing. Today’s dads are more involved, emotionally aware, and ready to take on a meaningful role in their children’s lives. In this section, we explore how the role of fatherhood has changed over time and why your presence matters more than ever.

Through real-life examples, group discussion, and reflection, we’ll unpack the cultural shifts that have redefined what it means to be a dad. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of your unique strengths and the kind of father you want to be.

Kids grow fast, and their needs change constantly. Knowing how to meet those needs at each stage helps you build strong, lasting connections. Using Erikson’s stages of development, we break down how your child thinks, feels, and forms identity across different ages.

You’ll gain practical insight into how to respond to their behaviour in a way that supports their growth. From toddlers to teens, this part of the workshop gives you a simple roadmap for showing up in ways that really matter—now and in the long run.

Science backs it up: dads have a measurable impact on their child’s brain development. That doesn’t mean you need to be perfect—it means you just need to be there in a meaningful way. We introduce the PACE model—Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy—as a simple, powerful framework to help you connect with your kids.

You’ll discover how small moments of connection—playing, asking questions, showing understanding—shape how your child sees themselves and the world around them. This is about creating emotional safety and trust through everyday actions.

You’re not just raising kids—you’re building a family. That starts with a strong, respectful partnership. In this part of the workshop, we explore how your relationship with your partner directly affects your children’s sense of safety, belonging, and development.

We cover simple ways to stay connected through the challenges of parenting: open communication, teamwork, emotional check-ins, and practical support. Even small changes in how you relate to each other can lead to a big difference in how your family functions day-to-day.

Fatherhood brings joy—but also stress, pressure, and exhaustion. That’s why we offer practical tools to help you stay grounded when things get hard. You’ll learn how to use breath work, mindfulness, and other small habits to regulate your nervous system and create space to respond, not react.

These tools aren’t time-consuming. They’re simple, repeatable practices you can build into your daily routine. The goal is not just to survive parenting—but to thrive, even in the tough moments.

Every action you take as a dad contributes to the legacy you leave. So, what kind of father do you want to be remembered as? This final part of the Father’s Apprenticeship workshop helps you reflect on the values, habits, and character you want to pass on.

We draw from David Dollahite’s Generative Fathering model to guide you in shaping a purposeful vision for your parenting journey. You’ll walk away with a clear sense of direction, grounded in what matters most to you.

If you need urgent mental health support, please reach out to Lifeline Australia for 24/7 crisis assistance.