Boot Camp For New Dads in Richmond VA

Families come to us seeking storage solutions in Richmond VA, but we're happy to share resources and information that our customers may find useful. Boot Camp for Dads is a program we feel could use some attention.

It can be scary thinking about being a new dad. The unknowns can be overwhelming. Good news! Boot Camp for Dads, a national program, has been providing information to fathers for more than 20 years. This group is a division of the non-profit organization First Things First Richmond, which seeks to strengthen families and improve communities.

Boot Camp for Dads addresses the challenges of fatherhood and then dissects them in 3 easy to process, 1 hour sessions. Each session includes previous Boot Camp fathers who discuss their real life experiences. Sometimes the new fathers even bring their children to the sessions.  The veteran dads have lots of first- hand parenting information to share so the dads can connect the teaching with the reality of being a dad to make the lessons easier to understand.

The first session is designed to address the possible problems which may cause dads to struggle to bond with their baby. Three keys are talked about to help ensure a positive result: 1) gate keeping, or the process of making sure fathers have an immediate impact in their children’s lives; 2) proper teamwork with their partners; 3) initiating the protector role- holding yourself together when others struggle to hold themselves together.

The second hour is the hands on session. Dads will be exposed to many items which are available to help them as parents. The dad instructors play a major role in this session as they get out the items and play together with expecting dads. Some dads even let the other men hold their babies. It is possibly the first time some of the men have held a baby.

The third hour deals with discussing several topics, including how to handle crying, how to manage a temper in stressful times and how to deal with the emotions of the new mom. The session ends with a wrap up discussion where dads ask all their final questions. Enjoy your new baby!

Boot Camp For New Dads

July 6: Henrico Doctors’ Hospital at Forest Campus
July 13: VCU Women’s Health Center  at Stony Point
July 20: Johnston-Willis Hospital

For additional info:  http://www.firstthingsrichmond.org/topic/boot-camp

Family Fun in Richmond Virginia - Museums!

Here at Extra Attic we're happy to help our Richmond self storage customers with families get to know the area better and find family-friendly things to do! In fact we were just asked by a newly transplanted family what are some fun, but educational things to do in the local Richmond, VA area. We figured we'd write about it and share some of our favorite places with you on our blog.

School has ended and the children have started their summer vacation. They will become bored quickly, so what can you do to keep them busy and enhance their minds at the same time? Museums! Richmond has so many wonderful museums and historic tours and they are very affordable (or free). Each museum and tour has its own unique attraction. Below is a list of some of the museums and historic tours in the Richmond area. Review the details of each museum, then as a family, identify your favorites and make a plan.

The Valentine Richmond History Center showcases Richmond, Virginia’s 400-year history with furniture, clothing, documents and much more. It is fascinating to see these authentic articles from centuries ago.  The museum is located in the heart of downtown Richmond. The History Center allows the visitor to envision the many facets of our city’s diverse past.

Become a part of Richmond’s history as you hop on board a replica canal boat first used in 1789. Richmond Canal Cruises offers a 40 minute narrated tour of the James River and Kanawha Canal as you float along the Canal Walk. You will be amazed by the impact of the James River and Kanawha Canal on the history and success of Richmond’s growth.  The cruises depart each hour from the Turning Basin at the intersection of 14th and Dock Streets on Virginia Street.

The Museum of the Confederacy presents a collection of artifacts designed to preserve the history of the Confederate States of America. History books cannot cover all the information about the Confederacy. This museum offers a wonderful opportunity to understand, study and interpret the views, thoughts and feelings of these states.     

Is San Francisco the original trolley town? No, in 1888, Richmond, VA was the site of the first trolley system in the world! Come see Richmond’s history through its architecture and landmarks as you ride on a modern day, comfortable trolley operated by Richmond Trolley Company.

The Children's Museum of Richmond is a fun place for children to learn through creative problem solving. The museum offers many centers to vary the learning experience. The kids will love their visit here!    

What are your favorite family-fun outings in Richmond, VA? We'd love to hear from you!