From jiu jitsu sidelines to playground party: A Connection in Action story from Paul

As new immigrants to the Island, my family has found it challenging to build connections. At our kids’ jiu jitsu classes, I noticed that some families already knew each other well, while others, like us, tended to keep to ourselves. We’d watch our kids, share a few smiles or a bit of small talk, and that was about it.

I wanted to create a low-pressure way to connect with other dads outside of class: dads who are busy, running on little sleep, and not really having the time or energy to build new friendships. And as a bonus, our kids could extend their play and build friendships of their own.

So, I simply approached a few dads and mentioned that my kids and I were planning to check out a nearby playground on the weekend, and that they were welcome to join. Three dads and their sons came along. 

I brought some food, including cookies my wife had baked. When we arrived, one of the dads looked around and asked, “Is it somebody’s birthday?” When I said no, he laughed and said, “Oh, wow, you just wanted to hang out!” That said it all. The kids had a great time, and we adults ended up having some really good conversations, too. It was wonderful and fascinating to hear about the other dads’ personal interests and projects. Most of us had seen each other regularly for months but had never really talked. All of them appreciated the time together and suggested we do it again, with more people from the jiu jitsu classes — a few dads who couldn’t make it said they were eager to join next time.

It was a good, small start!

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Capital Region Connection in Action is a campaign to strengthen neighbourly connection, personal belonging, and community resilience.

Connection in Action is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.