'Alcohol. It's no joke' - New campaign to tackle teenage drinking

A new site was launched today: http://www.itsnojoke.tv/. The site is raising awareness and opening the conversation about teenage drinking. A number of comedians have joined the campaign and will be making films to highlight some of the issues. The first video is by new comedy talent Josie Long.



Make sure to check out the website and watch out for new videos from the likes of Bill Bailey, Jo Brand and Russell Kane.

Christmas guide from the National Autistic Society

For most people, Christmas is a fun and exciting time. But for children with autism and their families, it can be very stressful. Children with autism often become confused or distressed by the change in routine or the increased social activity, and this can be upsetting for the rest of the family. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can reduce the impact of Christmas on your child and your family. This guide from the National Autistic Society provides support to parents and carers.

Check out the their YouTube channel for more great content: http://www.youtube.com/user/NationalAutisticSoc

Dads Space and The World’s Strongest Man™ 2009 Competition

We've got some fantastic T-shirts to give away, enter the competition below for your chance to win.

It's time to take the strain as the giants of strength athletics go head to head to be crowned The World’s Strongest Man™ 2009. Tune into Bravo for all the action from the 2009 Finals in Maltaplus behind the scenes features, documentaries and highlights of classic Worlds Strongest Man competitions featuring legendary athletes including Geoff Capes and Jon Pall Sigmarsson. You can find the full TV schedule at:

http://www.theworldsstrongestman.com/

The World’s Strongest Man™ has also launched a great new range of official merchandise including men’s, women’s and children’s t-shirts, hoodies, polo shirts and caps. Check out www.theworldsstrongestman.com to see the full range.



The competition closes on 31st December so get your answers in now.

Please make sure you read the competition terms and conditions on the main site. By entering the competition you are automatically added to our newsletter mailing list.

Our competitions are also listed at Loquax, The Prize Finder - UK Competitions, Compaholics, Competitions List, and CrazyCompers. Click these links to find more great competitions!

Are you a Dad-to-be in a new relationship?

Special Edition Films is making a BBC THREE documentary about love and relationships.
We are looking for couples who are pregnant early on in their relationship and are staying together to start a family. Perhaps you didn’t expect to be a dad so soon but you are taking on the challenge and sticking by your partner.

If you are interested in sharing your story, please do get in touch asap, for a no obligation chat.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Contact:
Ally Roberts
07967 492066
specialeditionfilms@gmail.com

iphone x Picture Book

Hi all,

We have just stumbled across this really nice simple integration

of an iPhone applications and a regualar kids book.

This video shows how, by slipping an iPhone into the center of a

specially designed picture book the child's experience is enhanced and

they are able to interact with the story and its characters.

I personally like the challenge to avoid planets and asteroids in the

spaceship.

If anyone has used this app to play with their children or have any ideas we would really like

to hear about how you think this could be applied or improved...

Post you and your kids ideas on our Facebook discussion page which can

be found here:

http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=133566305115&topic=13486

Teenage drinking - help resources for parents

Teenagers are often given bad press and images of hooded teens charged on alcopops are a common sight in the media. This is definitely not representational of today's youth but there's no question that there are issues around teenage drinking. Some recent research by Drinkaware highlights some reavealing statistics:

• 63% of 16-17 year olds who drink alcohol admit they do so most frequently in their own home
• Almost half of young people (47%*) drink alcohol at least once a week with 60% seeing this as a normal part of socialising and being young
  

The fact that drinking takes place at home means that parents have a greater role in these issues then some might imagine. In response to their findings Drinkaware have launched a new section on their website specifically aimed at parents.

www.drinkaware.co.uk/parents offers tips for how parents can broach the issue of alcohol with young people, when it’s a good time to talk to your kids and safety measures that can be put in place if your child is drinking. Details about legislation and government advice can also be found on the site as well as a directory of other useful resources.

Dads Space - Bonding Videos

Have a look at the most recent series of videos from Dads Space focused on bonding techniques.

The series which is a collection of vox-pops from fathers giving their opinion on bonding methods, balancing fatherhood with work. has just been put up on the home page which you can get to through the link here.

Here is the episode focused on bonding from birth:

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles Season 2 DVD giveaway

Here at Dads Space we're all about parenting in its many forms. So, supporting a strong minded and independent single mother is second nature to us (even if she is part-machine - no one's perfect ;)). We're big fans of her maternal instincts.

The second series of Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles Season 2 is released by Warner Bros Home Video on DVD and Blu-Ray today. We're celebrating by giving away 3 copies of this rather great box set.

Everyone's favourite 'mom' Sarah Connor picks up where she left off in Season 1. Our hearts went out to her, it can't be easy looking after only hope of mankind. It's a thrilling ride with more action and advanced technological weaponry than you can shake a stick at.

Three lucky winners can enjoy the series on us, all you have to do is answer the simple question below to be in with a chance. If the question's too difficult for you, you can find it in all good video shops ;)

The competition closes on 16th December so get your answers in now.

Please make sure you read the competition terms and conditions on the main site.

Our competitions are also listed at Loquax, The Prize Finder - UK Competitions, Compaholics, Competitions List, and CrazyCompers.
Click these links to find more great competitions!

Justin Clara Talks Teenage Fatherhood

To kick off the Dads Space 'Teenage Dads' month here is the first on a series of interviews with fathers, who had children when they were teenagers.

Justin Clara talks about his experiences of being a teenage father, the issues he faced and how he overcame them.

For more interviews with fathers check out our YouTube channel.

Marvin on Dads Space

This is my favorite of our Dads interviews, it's not always easy to connect with your new baby, Marvin, upcoming rapper from Brixton, gives us his ideas and experiences of fatherhood.

Dads Space 1-2-1 Demo

Here is the Dads Space 1-2-1 demonstration video:



The 1-2-1 Space is an online "connection space" that allows children to safely and securely interact with their parents and relatives. It is a moderated and secure space that allows the sharing of messages and photos as well as containing many games that can be played together remotely. It is specifically designed for families where face to face contact between parent/relative and child is limited or difficult.

This could be for a wide variety of reasons including family break up, geographical reasons, anti-social or long working hours or remote working. Or parents might simply wish to have a secure online space where they can interact with their child on a one to one basis.

The 1-2-1 Space is interested in hearing from organisations or employers who are interested in referring families to this free service. Please contact editor@dads-space.com for more details.

Dads Space Interveiw

On Monday morning our Dads Space film crew went on a shoot to interview two fathers, in preparation for the release of next months Dads Space issue; ‘Teenage Fathers’. Both Jude Edgington and David Mullings had their first children when they were only 18, since then both have become successful in their chosen fields.

Jude (a celebrity photographer) is in the process of organising and shooting work for an exhibition documenting teenage fathers, (read the full feature online in October). David is a Fathers Worker, using his personal experiences to help and support fathers reach their full potential as parents.

Keep yours eyes open for photos and some very interesting and insightful discussions between both of these inspiring fathers, in the meantime why not check out the Dads Space Youtube channel for interviews with celebrity fathers, and insights from experienced fathers from around England.

http://www.youtube.com/user/DadsSpace

President Obama Talks Fatherhood

Barak Obama talks about his fathers absence, his children and keeping a balance between his presidential role and fathering role. (Click picture to see video)

Also check out the Dads-Space interview with Craig David, in which he has a lot to say about a fathers role and the example people such as Obama has set for fathers and people around the world. (Here)

Dads Space Website Design

The Dads Space site has been redesigned, visit the new look site to see this month’s issue of Dads Space, all about the recession:

With an interview with Ed Balls, articles on dads experiences and hints and tips for dealing with the recession:

www.dads-space.com

Dads' views on getting advice

Have a look at this very interesting video we found on the YummyMums YouTube channel

http://www.youtube.com/user/yummymums

Some dads talk through parenting issues over a few beers.The panel includes DJ Chris Brooks, magazine publisher Damion Queva, comedian Kevin Day and TV presenter Jonathan Wills.

School 4 Dads and our Recession issue!

Dads Space is hosting an issue dedicated to fathers who are affected by the recession. The website hosts a dad-friendly package of advice and resources, signposting fathers to the most relevant professional parenting and family support organisations.

To promote and support the launch, Dads Space has developed a viral video campaign to be distributed through YouTube and other social media.

The School 4 Dads campaign deliberately plays to those who are suspicious of seeking help by parodying the motivational speaker/self-help industry. A comedy vehicle was chosen to reach the widest word-of-mouth audience. At the end of each documentary-style sketch, viewers are directed to Dads Space, where they can get ‘real life, no-nonsense advice’ if they are affected by any of the serious parenting themes raised.

About Dads Space

Dads Space targets fathers who may otherwise be reluctant to seek help through more formal channels. It provides dad-friendly ‘no-nonsense’ advice and resources through the website www.dads-space.com and via social media (YouTube, Facebook etc.).

www.dads-space.com

Meet Simon Wallace, below:

Dads Space blog... coming soon!

Watch this space!