Hey guys,

I'm sitting here in my office for what's going to be my last month of work in Washington DC before making my way down to Austin TX. I am really excited to switch roles with my wife, being the stay at home parent and going to school.

I wondered if any one has had experience starting their own dad group for play dates and just other stay at home dads to hang around with?

I don't think I am looking to start my own just yet, still have a lot to learn about Austin. I am definitely interested in starting a media oriented dad group as my son gets older.

Any stay at home dads in Austin (Round Rock more specifically) know of good ways to find a group, or any good groups to join?

You know, I haven't heard from these guys in a while, so I'm not sure if the group is still active.

Since my kids are now school age, I've lost touch with the local SAHD scene but would love to know what you find.

Have you seen any of the "Survivor Dad" episodes? Nathan has been a SAHD here in Austin for the last couple years. I'll ask him what's up.

Let us know when you get down here. We'll see what we can do to help start a group.

Yeah... I was looking up groups on google and I am pretty sure that group is long gone. My only reason for thinking that is half the links on their site don't even work... it's like internet debris just floating through cyber space. Shame.

Yes Definitely have seen Survivor Dad, I appreciate you asking Nathan. When I had my new born he was my hero. HAHA

I'll be down there end of June / Beginning of July. I would definitely be into starting, or helping organize a group. I don't know the ins and outs of Austin, but what better way to figure it out!

I think I am a little nervous about joining a dad group, but I would really Love to give it a try. Mostly I just want to keep busy. I am transition from working full time at a hectic post production facility, to spending the day with my son. Which is going to be AWESOME, but I will miss working a little.

With any luck I'll find some dads who either want to make some music, or want to make some videos with our kids so I can still use my Audio skills. It's Austin, I'm bound to find one!

Dadlabs need an audio guy??? HAHA.

Thanks Clay!

Good luck with all of the transitions.

I used to think a group would be fun. Now that I know a lot of other SAHDs, I'm not so sure. I have used hobby groups to fill that space I need. I try to keep the kids involved in programs and activities where they'll interact with other kids and also get them into preschool and activities I can step away from (the new Preschool tried to recruit me to be their assistant chair and chair next year...). Playgroups haven't seemed like a good way to go for me.

Enjoy Austin and the dad-life. I'm happy to be finding something productive to do after 4 years. (I know, it's probably not been unproductive, but being on an allowance of about $2/week has been a serious frustration.)

Andy,

How's life in Round Rock treating you so far? Have you made progress in finding/creating your group?

I'm preparing to welcome my little boy into the world this Oct and will soon be a stay at home dad in Nov.

Some local stay at home dads would be nice to get to know and bounce ideas off of.

No I haven't. I got here 3 months ago. I've been busy with school and adapting to being in a new place. I don't have a car so I get around with my son on a bike... haha.

I'm really excited for you! You won't be leaving the house for any play dates soon though I imagine. hehe