Dad are an important part of the team!

Growing up and having reliable and supportive parents is ultimately what children need. Dads play an important role in a baby’s health and development.

Here are a few ways Dad makes a difference…

A playmate: Research shows that fathers are likely to become a baby’s primary playmate. About two-thirds of young babies choose their dad when it comes to play time. When a baby is born, they already have a connection with their mother and their fathers are more of an unknown to them. A newborn will start to notice mum is protective and calming, whilst Dad is more playful and physical. They start to realise that mum will pick them up when they chuck up a fuss, and that dad will tickle them or lift them in the air.

A teacher: Playing with children is one of the best ways to kick-start a baby’s coordination, problem solving, emotional management, self-confidence, concentration, balance, trust, creativity, and the list goes on. Nurturing a child whilst playing can help them pursue goals without distractions and stress. If Dad is present in playtime it will contribute to your child’s physical, intellectual, and social development.

Building Trust: During the first couple of years of a child’s life they learn to trust and distrust others. The reliability and quality of their parent’s time will give them the first taste of it all. Early bonding between dads and their babies can be enhanced by skin-to-skin contact. Holding a baby close and spending time with them encourages facial recognition and builds their social confidence. By giving them your time and being kind and gentle, you will encourage healthy trust development.

Building Strength: When a mother breastfeeds, she may hold her baby resting along her forearm, like a holding a rugby ball. This is quality bonding time for them. Tummy time is an alternative to the football hold. Dads can lay on their back and place bub on their chest, providing benefits of eye contact and close physical touch while building the baby’s strength and co-ordination. Massaging and talking to them is also a good way to connect and stimulate brain development. Aim to reach an hour of tummy time a day.

Living Apart: If your family isn’t the traditional arrangement, think about having a father like figure. A male role model is positive for a baby growing up so that they are familiar with different social interactions. If a male role model isn’t in the direct household, writing letters, phone calls or video calling can be good for growth. Sometimes it’s more about quality than quantity too. Being flippant with your interactions only has negative impacts on their development.

Academic Success: Research shows fathers can sometimes have greater impact than their mothers when it comes to language, perhaps because children are less familiar with their fathers, so they tend to be more intuitive to what is being said and done. Talking about their skills, hobbies and likes can enrich their children’s language skills, which correlates to their academic success.

Father’s and their daughters: Girls look up to their fathers and will learn qualities from them subconsciously. If a father shows their daughter what a healthy relationship looks like, she will grow to look for those qualities in others. By giving her love and displaying chivalry when you’re around her, she’ll attach to others who do the same. By giving your daughter validation it will give her more self-confidence growing up.

Father’s and their sons: The ultimate role models. Boys will reflect a lot of their fathers’ characteristics and actions and naturally seek approval from their dads from a young age. While it can be extremely motivating to impress their fathers, expectation can weigh heavily on their shoulders. It’s important for men to show their approval and their respect to their sons to give them confidence.