Becoming a dad changes everything, especially your social life. As father of two sons, I absolutely love being a dad, yet having a kid or two flips your life upside down. Your friendships change, plans fall through, conversation topics shift and your community diminishes. But here’s the good news: It doesn’t have to.

When my older son was born in 2023, my wife joined a mommy-and-me group and loved the opportunity to chat with other moms going through the trenches just like she was. It made a huge difference for her. Naturally, I looked for something similar; however, there was nothing like it out there for dads.

This is crazy in a time where new dads are more involved than ever before. Something needed to be done, so I launched Dad’s Little Sidekick — a relaxed monthly hangout where dads and their kids under 4 can just show up, spend time together and meet other dads in the same stage of life. 

There is no pressure and no over-planning. Kids run around and play, snacks are shared and dads get a chance to actually talk about parenting, life, music — or whatever comes up.

I originally modeled the program after weekly meetings with an agenda, but soon realized that while dads want to meet other dads, a little less structure is OK. Bonding for dads is showing up, being silly, playing around and just making sure that they get some quality time with their kid. This generation of men wants to partake in the day-to-day activity of our kids growing up and want to be present to build strong relationships with our mini-me’s. 

As a full-time working dad who wants to divide the housework and parental responsibilities, taking time to spend with friends can be difficult and produces a constant underlying dad guilt.  Dad life is constantly busy, but making friends shouldn’t be hard. That’s what makes having a built-in community so valuable. 

When my friends had kids before me, they stopped reaching out and seemed too busy with their lives to maintain friendships. When it was my turn to have a little one, I made every effort to not let this happen. Kids come with different schedules and varied routines, but when you’re surrounded by dads with kids in similar stages, there’s an instant understanding. No need to explain why you’re late, distracted or tired — it’s just part of the deal. This group is priceless and offers the opportunity to make new friends feel possible!

Between work, naps, meals and potty training, hanging out shouldn’t feel like another chore.  We meet in a safe enclosed space, because when you get together in the park, kids are running around all over the place and connection never happens. What is better than having a fun, easy environment for the kids to play and a laid-back atmosphere for the guys to talk and swap stories?  

Dad’s Little Sidekick is something to look forward to, and while we meet monthly, the conversations continue in between. We are all willing to help each other, offer different services or just ask a quick question to the group. Real friendships are forming between the kids and the dads. 

This is also dedicated time for a dad to hang with their kid and for their spouse to have some self-care time. When dads have strong community support, everyone benefits. Your kids see you prioritizing relationships, your partner sees you as more fulfilled and less stressed and you become a better version of yourself in every role you play.

It is time for dads to also be taken care of. It takes a village to raise a kid and to raise a happy, competent dad. Being a dad is one of the best jobs in the world, and it can be even greater with Dad’s Little Sidekick. 

We’re all about feeling less isolated and more connected. Dads show up for their kids every day, and it’s time we show up for each other, too. Follow us @dadslittlesidekick for more info and to join our next hangout! 

Jared Podos is a father and founder of Dad’s Little Sidekick. 

Editor’s note: For great family-friendly events you can share with fellow dads, visit our events roundup. If your kids are a bit older, you’ll enjoy this father-daugther story on how they explore L.A. like tourists.