Namyangju City Launches Dad Parenting School... A New Start for Expanding Co-Parenting Culture

A New Beginning for Co-Parenting Culture in Namyangju
"Dad Parenting School" Kicks Off to Support Active Father Participation

Namyangju City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Joo Gwangdeok) officially launched the "Dad! Is This Your First Time Parenting? Dad Parenting School" with an entrance ceremony at the Namyangju City Childcare Support Center on August 22.

Joo Gwangdeok, mayor of Namyangju City, is giving a greeting speech at the entrance ceremony of the "Dad! Is This Your First Time Parenting? Dad Parenting School" held at the Namyangju City Childcare Support Center on the 22nd. Provided by Namyangju City

The "Dad Parenting School" is a practical education program designed to support fathers' active participation in childcare and to foster a culture of co-parenting, in response to the recent increase in paternity leave and changing perceptions of parenting roles.

Approximately 100 fathers and their families attended the entrance ceremony, which included an introduction to the program, the awarding of admission certificates, and the reading of a parenting declaration by the fathers. In addition, Kim Gitak, head of the Dad Parenting Culture Research Institute, delivered a special lecture titled "Developing a Child's Brain Through Play, Nurturing a Child's Heart Through Conversation," which addressed the role of fathers, self-reflection, and practical parenting guidelines.

Mayor Joo Gwangdeok emphasized, "The Dad Parenting School marks the starting point for fathers to take the lead in parenting and will provide a space where fathers can enjoy participating in childcare."

He added, "As Jeong Yak-yong once said, answering a child's unexpected and creative questions offers fathers new insights. I hope every father can experience the precious value of growing together with their children."

The "Dad Parenting School" will run for four months until December. The city plans to offer a variety of activities in which fathers can directly participate and practice with their children, including emergency first aid training, childcare coaching classes, play classes with dads, and a graduation ceremony.