Facebook is a great place for people with similar interests to come together and share achievements and advice in safe and supportive groups. While there are many Facebook Groups for moms to support each other, local Fredericksburg dad Matt Jones noticed the lack of online support groups for fathers and began one himself. 

“I really want to promote dads in the area to be active in their kids’ lives,” he says. “I wanted a place where dads in the community could celebrate their kids, commiserate about the unique challenges of fatherhood, and plan get-togethers to strengthen their community. So, I created FXBG Dads!” 

The private group, which was started a couple of months ago, is steadily growing and always ready to accept new Fredericksburg fathers. To join, dads can click “Join Group,” and give a short blurb about themselves and their kids. Jones says that there are many types of dads in his group, from step-dads to stay-at-home dads to first-time-fathers in the area. “I post discussion questions, ideas for local outings, and opportunities for dads to meet up with or without their kids, and encourage other members to post too,” he says.

As a private group, the safety of those posting is important to both Jones and the Facebook system. That said, it’s a very social group that has become a great resource and community to Fredericksburg fathers like Jones. “I’ve already met up with a couple of different fathers at the farmers market at Hurkamp Park, including one with kids the same age as my son who played together like they were best friends.”