Dad Jokes - the Fatherhood Support Group
This is Bronson Criddle, a Las Vegas resident since 2014 and founder of “Dad Jokes”, a fatherhood support group. His pre-Dad life involved growing up on his grandparents farm, becoming a professional cyclist, and working in the hospitality industry. He’s an Air Force Veteran and during that time, lived in England - traveling around the world for both work and his personal life. His professional background includes being a resiliency instructor as he has been a victim of family suicide. He was a daddy doula for his wife Annie, who had two successful home births and most of all, he is a proud father to a daughter and a son.
We were elated when we found “Dad Jokes”, the fatherhood support group in Las Vegas. Having a chance to chat with the founder, we learned more about this group and the inspiration behind it.
“Dad Jokes was created with the goal of helping fathers become the ultimate support role for mothers before, during, and after pregnancy. We offer encouragement on all things fatherhood, advocating, and being informed on the challenges of being a dad. I want to promote a safe, trusting, positive, and uplifting environment that fosters intentional parenting.” -Bronson
Where did you get the inspiration to start Dad Jokes?
My inspiration for the support group grew from becoming a new dad trying to navigate the transition into fatherhood. I wanted to know how we as partners could be impactful, bond with our child, nurture our relationship, and support pregnancy. I realized there was not anything like this in the Las Vegas community, and I had the idea but didn’t know how to make it come to fruition. With the encouragement of Annie and Sarah Slobody CPM and Doula from Serenity Birth Center, Dad Jokes was born - no pun intended!
What does a typical Dad Jokes meeting look like? What do you all talk about?
I start with a welcome message while we share our wins of the week. This helps set the tone for the space to feel warm and inspiring. The group will discuss anything that needs immediate attention and we have round table discussions. The topics we cover include relationship challenges, parenting tips, roles of fatherhood, preparing for pregnancy, fourth trimester support, resiliency, and everything in between. I always include a group activity that encourages mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual support.
How have you seen these meetings affect the community?
Las Vegas now has a place that provides reassurance to fathers learning how to embrace their role in the family. Dad Jokes receives encouragement and support from partners and the community because we are fulfilling our duty to show up as better fathers. I’ve heard a lot of great feedback from the dads on the positive outcomes on their relationship and family, which is our ultimate goal. Fathers have a strong impact on the family unit, which affects the community and ultimately shapes our society. If we want our society to be a positive place for families, then we must educate the men.
What’s one thing you want the partners of the fathers who attend to know?
Once you have children, securing personal time for BOTH partners is key to mental health. What Dad Jokes provides is ultimately beneficial not just to the fathers, but the mothers, and the whole family. We are a place to connect with one another in brotherhood, connect with our kids, connect with our partners, and connect with our community. By attending twice a month we have the opportunity for growth as fathers and partners as we motivate and inspire each other.
What an inspirational group, thank you for everything you do for the community! Some of our dads may be interested in joining - how can they attend?
We meet every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at 6:00 pm at Baby’s First Day 820 S. Rancho Ln #60. We encourage all fathers to come and join us! Babies and toddlers can attend and this helps Moms get some free time, too. Dad Jokes is totally free and men can simply show up as needed. For more info I can be contacted on Instagram @dadjokeswbronson.
What message would you like to give to the fathers who are thinking about joining your group?
Man has gathered around the proverbial and literal campfire for countless generations. This communal act was an essential part of life that has faded in modern years, but with the importance of mental health being highlighted recently - Dad Jokes brings this practice back to our purview. There is a cultural shift and movement with men happening now and I want to be the tip of the spear leading it within my community. It is ok… to not be ok, it is ok… to be vulnerable, and it is a strength to recognize and ask for help. This is for dads from all walks of life. You can be a younger or older dad, new dad or seasoned dad, step-dad, dad-to-be, or anyone taking on the responsibility of fatherhood. We’ll have your back.
What do you see as the future of Dad Jokes?
Right now I am just enjoying the ride. Dad Jokes had its one year anniversary in February 2023 and we’re gaining our momentum. I would like us to be the go-to fatherhood support group in Las Vegas. There is a potential for an online educational program for fathers in the future. A non-profit could be on the horizon and I believe it would be a huge asset to the community.
Bronson, we absolutely loved learning about this support group and are ecstatic that it exists for the father’s in our community. We will definitely be following your journey and watching you grow!
Before we go, can you share where your favorite local spots are in Las Vegas?
We are definitely an outside family and you can always find us looking for an adventure. We explore the many parks in Henderson and always bring a packed lunch for picnics. Our daughter loves Kids Town off Rainbow for pretend play and now that our son is mobile we go to the splash pads at Green Valley District and Town Square more often. Both the kids love sushi so Sushiwa off Eastern is our go-to for dinner out.
Thank you, Bronson!!!
