In celebration of National Family Week, our centre was proud to host Breakfast with Dads on 27 May
2025 — a heartwarming event under the Start Small Dream Big movement, proudly supported by
Families for Life and the Centre for Fathering.
The morning began with a warm welcome and sharing session, where fathers introduced themselves
by sharing their occupations, the number of years they have been married, and the number of
children they have. This offered a glimpse into the many roles fathers play both at work and at home,
and was a lovely way for everyone to get to know one another better. The confident sharing by the
fathers set a positive example for the children, encouraging them to express themselves with similar
confidence and pride.
Following this, the children confidently shared what they aspire to be when they grow up — from
firefighters to doctors, policemen, artists and teachers — lighting up the room with their big dreams and boundless imagination. A facilitator then offered some helpful tips for fathers on how they can
support their child’s aspirations — by encouraging their interests, being involved in their learning,
and staying open and adaptable as children’s goals evolve over time.
Next came the energetic Hunter, Squirrel, and Tree game — a playful yet symbolic activity
representing protection, strength, stability, and unity in the family. Dads and children laughed and
cheered as they raced to switch places, reinforcing the strong and safe bond between parent and
child.
Children and dads then took turns making breakfast for each other, adding a heartfelt touch to the
morning. Sandwiches, yoghurt, and milk were prepared and shared with love, turning a simple meal
into a cherished act of care.
An interactive quiz followed, designed to test how well fathers and children knew each other. Dads
were asked to recall fun facts like:
• Child’s form teacher
• Child’s favourite colour
• Child’s shoe size
• Child’s favourite food
• Child’s favourite friend
And the children, in turn, were quizzed on:
• Dad’s mobile number
• Dad’s favourite colour
• Dad’s birthday
• Dad’s favourite food
• Dad’s occupation
• Dad’s best friend
The activity sparked lots of laughter, surprise, and discovery, as both sides joyfully learned what
they knew — and what they didn’t — about one another.
A deeply touching moment came during the affirmation segment, where fathers and children stood on opposite sides of a wall of blocks. Dads took turns saying “I love you,” while children raised their
hands if they recognised their father’s voice. Then the roles reversed — and this time, the dads had a
tougher challenge, as some children playfully changed their tones to keep things fun! It was a
moment filled with love, laughter, and emotional connection, reminding everyone of the power of
words and recognition.
To conclude, each dad wrote their child’s name vertically and created an acrostic poem, choosing a
positive word for each letter to describe their child’s unique qualities. These personal tributes were
heartfelt keepsakes, filled with pride, affection, and encouragement.
We are incredibly grateful to all the fathers who made time to join us. Their energy, enthusiasm, and
openness turned Breakfast with Dads into a truly memorable celebration of fatherhood and family
— a beautiful reminder that the simplest moments are often the most meaningful.
