Family Advocacy Program provides class for dads Published July 29, 2015 By Senior Airman Jake Eckhardt 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs 7/29/2015 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- -- The Air Force is known for its educational benefits, such as tuition assistance and the Montgomery G.I. Bill, but they also offer a class that isn't taught in any traditional classroom setting: how to be a dad. The "Dads: The Basics" class is a mens-only class that is designed to help fathers-to-be prepare for their new role. The class is split up into three, two-hour portions that meet on Thursday at 11 a.m. "It's a chance to get some information, it's a chance to talk to other dads, and it's a chance to talk about what is special and unique about fathers, as well as what their concerns and hopes are," said Craig McIntosh, Family Advocacy Program Intervention Specialist. The class goes over diaper changing, playing with one's child, how important attachment is for emotional and social development, how to support one's partner through pregnancy and breast feeding, as well as other topics, such as managing anger and fatigue. "What we understand from research is that dads are really, really important in the lives of children, but dads don't always feel supported," McIntosh said. "This is a class that allows dad to be a full-contact, engaged parent." Among the skills taught during the course, McIntosh said the most important thing for a father is to love and be there for your child. Senior Airman Duffy Goodall, Air Mobility Command headquarters, said, "This class has taught me to model my fatherhood and mentorship, and that attachment is crucial in the first year. I'm looking forward to walking in the room after a day of work, and watch her yell 'daddy!'" The next class is July 30.