Daddy's Strollers Club Launches Seattle Chapter to Support Fathers
On a recent episode of "The Day with Trey," host Trey Holiday interviewed Kalvin Washington Jr., the Seattle chapter representative for the Daddy's Strollers Club, a national organization that encourages fathers to connect and support each other while spending time with their children.
Washington explained that the Daddy's Strollers Club was founded by Kalvin Bridgewater in Dallas, Texas. Bridgewater started the club after realizing he was experiencing similar struggles to his wife during the postpartum period, including emotional changes and weight gain. He gathered friends to go to a park for a "stride," emphasizing brotherhood and mutual support among fathers. The organization aims to address the often-unacknowledged emotional and mental health challenges that fathers face.
The Seattle chapter of the Daddy's Strollers Club came to fruition when Washington, seeking a community for fathers to discuss emotions and brotherhood, applied to become a chapter representative after seeing a call for new city chapters on Instagram. He highlighted the lack of a similar group in Seattle that specifically focused on fathers' emotional well-being and connections.
A key aspect of the club is for fathers to bring their children along for the "strides." Washington emphasized the importance of children seeing their fathers engaged in healthy communities and understanding that dads also need time and support. He noted that these gatherings also provide a much-needed break for mothers, allowing them to rest and recharge.
The Seattle chapter has already garnered significant interest, with 102 fathers signed up before their first official stride. Washington shared that a core group of brothers, including Naji and Kenan, are working together to build a transparent and vulnerable space for fathers. They are dedicated to making the Seattle chapter a long-lasting and outstanding part of the national organization.
The first official stride for the Seattle chapter of the Daddy's Strollers Club is scheduled for July 12th at 11:00 AM at Barnett Park, lasting until 2:00 PM. All fathers, grandfathers, guardians, and anyone who considers themselves a father figure with a young person to bring are welcome. The event will include chalk, bubbles, basketballs, and music. Participants are encouraged to bring their strollers and an open heart, and to contribute their talents as the club is volunteer-based. Learn More: https://www.daddystrollersocialclub.com/ or @Daddystrollersocialclub_sea
