A Father’s Journey with Envisage: Learning, Growing, and Building Together
As a father, I believe the parenting journey is a team effort, and supporting our child should never fall solely on mothers or female caregivers. My experience with Envisage reinforced this belief and provided an invaluable opportunity to connect, learn, and grow as a parent alongside other families.
Joining the Group
Initially I was concerned that the program was more focused on ADHD or Autism-related issues. However, I quickly realized the diversity of experiences within our group of four families, including Cerebral Palsy (my daughter’s condition), ADHD, and Down Syndrome. Each family brought unique challenges, yet we found common ground and shared insights. The facilitators, were exceptional, creating a supportive and collaborative environment.
Insights from Each Workshop
Workshop 1: Health and Wellbeing in Early Child and Family Development
This session emphasised focusing on my daughter’s strengths rather than her challenges. It affirmed our family’s approach: encouraging her to participate in mainstream activities and treating her like any other child. This approach has bolstered her confidence and development. Additionally, learning about the "F-Words" (Function, Family, Fitness, Fun, Friends, and Future) provided a clear framework for discussing her needs with service providers, schools, and sports organisations.
Workshop 2: Child and Family Development
Reiterating the importance of inclusion, this workshop highlighted how vital it is for my daughter to feel she belongs in every setting, from school to sports. I also realised how everyday activities can serve as therapy. Structured sessions had started to feel like a chore for her, so shifting to more natural and engaging methods of development was an invaluable takeaway.
Workshop 3: Parenting as a Dance Led by the Child
This session resonated deeply with me. I realised that I needed to step back from being a “helicopter parent” and allow my daughter to lead. The analogy of parenting as a dance helped me see the importance of giving her the space to try, fail, and find her voice. It’s a work in progress, but this perspective has inspired me to grow as a parent.
Workshop 4: Looking After Myself
Taking time for self-care can feel impossible amidst work and family commitments. This session served as a reminder that looking after myself is critical for my family’s well-being. I’m gradually reintroducing activities like sports and social events into my life, recognizing their importance in maintaining balance.
Workshop 5: Communication and Collaboration
Building collaborative relationships with professionals has been a cornerstone of our journey, and this session reinforced its importance. Our bond with my daughter’s occupational therapist has been a shining example of this. However, challenges with school interactions remain, and this workshop provided tools to navigate these situations. I also shared how my involvement in mainstream sports programs has helped cater to my daughter’s needs and train others to recognize when she requires support.
Reflections on the Journey
The Envisage program offered more than practical advice—it provided a space to connect with other families, share our experiences, and learn from one another. By involving my daughter in mainstream activities while also slowly introducing disability-specific opportunities, we’ve struck a balance that respects her individuality and helps her grow.
As a father, Envisage reminded me that the parenting journey is not just about guiding our children but also about learning from them, stepping back, and letting them shine. It’s a lesson I’ll carry forward, along with the support and insights gained from this remarkable experience.
