Building Connections: How Dads Can Strengthen Attachment and Facilitate Development

A father's connection to his children, especially the connection immediately after birth and through the first few years of life, has a significant impact on their development.  This is even more important for children who have been adopted, fostered, or experienced early trauma. Research has shown that a family in which partners collaboratively co-parent, operate as a cohesive team, and share parenting duties, produces the best family climate for raising children, and children of highly involved fathers tend to achieve academically far better than their peers. In this workshop, John Shanahan will highlight the importance of fathers attaching to their young children and how busy fathers can facilitate this attachment and build quality relationships. We will explore the impact fathers have on their children, how they can co-parent and support the other parent, and how to boost socio-emotional resiliency. This workshop will also highlight key parenting strategies to encourage positive behaviours and reduce the need to discipline. 

John Shanahan is a Psychologist specialising in children and adolescents.  He grew up in Hong Kong and is familiar with issues families experience living in a hectic, intense, and international city.  John is the Director of Central Health Partners Child Development Team, the President of the Psychotherapy Society of Hong Kong, and the Psychologist on the Safety Committee of Outward Bound Hong Kong.  He is a Visiting Professor at the University of St Joseph, an Advisor to the Hawn Foundation and Kids4Kids, and sits on the Executive Committee of the Dyslexia Association of Hong Kong.

Please note this workshop is for fathers and prospective fathers only.

• 190HKD for AFHK members; 
  
• 240HKD for non-members or lapsed members (or click here to join/renew your AFHK membership and attend this event for the member's rate of 190HKD).
• Price includes pizza, soft drinks and 2 beers
• Cash bar available

Seating is limited, registration and payment are required in advance.

Please arrive to check-in at 7:15pm. Event starts at 7:30pm.

Map and directions here

**Paid Parking is available at Bamboo Grove**

All proceeds from events directly support AFHK's outreach work.