6 Ways to Make Your Organization’s Physical Space More Father Inclusive

Think about the families you serve. Do dads feel as welcome in your space as moms?

Too often, human service organizations unintentionally create programs and services that cater to moms, leaving dads feeling like outsiders or secondary caregivers. But when dads feel included, they’re more likely to engage with your organization, which benefits the entire family.

Being father inclusive requires intention and action. A great first step in turning intention into action is with your physical space. You have the power to create a space where dads feel seen, valued, and encouraged to participate in your programs and services!

Here are six ways to make your physical space father inclusive.

1. Incorporate Positive Dad Imagery

Visual representation is an easy way to signal that dads are welcome. Look at the posters, brochures, and artwork in your facility. Do they mostly feature moms and children? If so, consider adding:

• Posters of dads engaging with their children in everyday activities.
• Dad-specific brochures.
• Artwork that celebrates dads in diverse family structures.

2. Create a Comfortable Waiting Area for Dads

Waiting rooms are often geared toward moms and young children, with décor, magazines, and toys that may feel uninviting to dads. To improve this space, you can:

• Provide dad-friendly reading materials, such as parenting magazines with father-focused articles or books about fatherhood.
• Offer interactive toys and books that encourage dad-child interaction rather than just watching their children play.
• Arrange seats to promote dad-child interaction, such as child-friendly chairs near adult seating.

3. Design Spaces for Father-Inclusive Childcare

If your facility includes diaper-changing stations or areas to feed children, ensure they are accessible and welcoming to dads. To ensure this, you can:

• Install diaper-changing tables in all restrooms (or create a gender-neutral family area or nook that includes one).
• Add comfortable seating areas where dads can feed or soothe their children.

4. Offer a Dedicated Father-Friendly Space

If possible, set aside a specific area for dads within your facility. This could be a:

• Dad-Child Play Corner – A designated space with father-friendly books, toys, and interactive games.
• Dad Resource Hub – An area with information about fatherhood programs, legal rights, co-parenting tips, and employment resources.
• Dad Lounge or Meeting Space – A setting where dads can gather for peer support, workshops, or casual networking.

5. Make Signage and Messaging Father Inclusive

Walk through your organization and evaluate signage. Do signs, brochures, and program descriptions only mention moms? Rework to be more father inclusive in the following ways:

• Add “Dad & Baby” signs where “Mom & Baby” signs are displayed.
• Use welcoming language on entry signs, such as “Dads welcome.”
• Ensure restroom signage mentions diaper-changing tables in men’s or gender-neutral restrooms.

6. Gather Feedback from Dads

To ensure your space meets dads’ needs, ask them directly! You can:

• Use informal surveys and intake forms to get feedback about their experiences in and thoughts about your space.
• Host a Father Focus Group to discuss improvements they’d like to see.
• Create a suggestion box specifically for dads to share ideas and concerns.

A father-inclusive physical space helps break down barriers that prevent dads from engaging with your programs and services. By making intentional adjustments—whether through imagery, seating, signage, or resources—you can make dads feel welcome, comfortable, and encouraged to participate!

Which of these father-inclusive ideas can your organization implement?

Have you explored ways to make your organization’s physical space more father inclusive?