Since they aren’t growing a baby inside their bodies, it usually takes a bit longer for partners and dads-to-be to realize the magnitude of changes coming their way. What are some ways to prepare for becoming a dad, connecting with your kids, and showing up in a way you can be proud of? JaMone Alexander has answers. Check it out.
What we talked about:
- What do fathers need to know about the transition into fatherhood?
- The importance of communication
- Connecting with your child
- Checking in on your mental health
- The courage of being honest with yourself
- How can you be great?
- “Overstanding” and all the sports analogies
- Be willing to learn
- “The more you know, the more you show, the more you glow.”
- Understanding your worth: to your kids and your family
- Go old-school on your connection
- Check yourself
- Being honest with your mistakes
Helpful resources & links*:
- 24/7 Dad Program (Starts June 25th via Zoom!)
- 4kira4moms.com – the organization created by Charles Johnson
- Info Sheet on the 24/7 Dad program (and info on the 24/7 Dad app)
- New Dads Class, from Dr. Jay Warren
- Resources for Fathers, form Postpartum Support International
- Black Fathers, NOW podcast
- The Dadhood Journey podcast
- Fathers Are ‘Essential Workers’—But do They Know It?, from the National Fatherhood Initiative
- allstardads.org
Related Birthful Episodes:
- A Dad’s Perspective (Part 1), with Jeremy Buczek
- A Dad’s Perspective Part 2), with Jeremy Buczek
- Prenatal Bonding, with Dr. Jay Warren
- Connecting With Your Baby in Utero, with Penny Simkin
- Raising Anti-Racist Children, with Dr. Qadira Ali Huff
- Bringing Equity to Birth, with Denise Bolds
About JaMone Alexander
With over 20 years of experience and a passion for working with and for his community, JaMone Alexander is dedicated to supporting the plight of others. In his new position as the Fatherhood Coordinator for Healthy Baby Network, JaMone is committed to affirming the role of fathers and father figures in the health and development of all our children by providing individual and group services tailored to their needs. Infants and children thrive when they grow up with involved, responsible, and committed fathers, father figures, and men.
Having grown up on the Southwest side of Rochester, JaMone is proud to be a product of his environment. As a fatherless child, he grew up with many uncertainties, but with a strong support system and a “Superhero” mom, he overcame many obstacles. As JaMone likes to say, he went from “Fatherless to Marvelous.”
Throughout his career, JaMone has been involved in assisting youth and adults. His work experience for St. Joseph’s Villa of Rochester includes Rehabilitation Counselor for the Juvenile Reporting Center, Social Worker/Supervisor for the Disproportionate Minority Contact program (DMC) and Intensive Case Manager for the Care Coordinator Program. JaMone has also served as Coordinator for GED Programs for the Urban League of Rochester and Executive Director and Youth Director for Southwest Area Neighborhood Association, Inc. In these positions, he developed a very diverse educational experience, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to interact with people from all cultures and backgrounds in continuously evolving environments.
JaMone prides himself on the progress and success of people. Within his role in the Fatherhood Program, he is honored to continue to give the best of himself.
Click to learn more about the 24/7 Dad program, or email JaMone at jamone[at]healthy-baby[dot]net or call 585-546-4930 ext. 214
Title music: “Vibe Ace” by Kevin MacLeod, from the Free Music Archive / CC BY (edited for length).
Sponsorship music: “Air Hockey Saloon” by Chris Zabriskie, from the Free Music Archive / CC BY (edited for length).