Why is time with dad important?

Each parent plays an important role in a child's life. The power of time spent with mother is widely known and undeniable. However, let's not forget the role of fathers. Time spent with fathers, their active involvement in a child's daily life, is equally important and brings countless benefits. This is especially true because they typically have a different approach and enrich the child's world with their own experiences, principles, male role models, and perspectives.

A new model of fatherhood

The model of modern fatherhood has undergone a profound transformation in recent decades. We are now moving away from the traditional division of roles, and the boundaries between parental roles are blurring in favor of partnership. Fathers are often no longer the sole or primary breadwinners. They increasingly strive to balance professional aspirations with family life. They are contributing to household chores and childcare. They now spend significantly more time with their children than they did just a few decades ago.

Another kind of fun with mom and dad

Free time and play are crucial elements of building a relationship with dad. This is especially true because dad's time-spending and play style often differ from those with mom. Men typically allow more freedom and often push the boundaries of play. Their suggestions can be more free-form, daring, and exuberant. They often emphasize physical activity and activities such as fooling around, tickling, pushing, or wrestling. Play can quickly escalate into wrestling or full-blown races. Children desperately need this type of play, and with friends or siblings, it can have varying outcomes. Therefore, a parent, and especially a dad, is the ideal partner for any physical or strength-based play.

Strength games – the best time with dad

Why are these kinds of games important? They foster closeness, relax the atmosphere, and build trust and a close relationship. Playing with dad is a great way to practice self-regulation and learn how to manage one's own emotions. This type of play—joking, teasing, and various physical interactions—temporarily throws a child off balance, then gives them the opportunity to regain it. This safe environment allows children to practice their reactions, control their strength, and adapt it to the situation. Furthermore, any strength-training activity is great for stimulating the deep layers of muscles and tendons, helping to reduce tension and relax the entire body.

The benefits of such play are supported by research conducted by scientists from the Faculty of Education at the University of Cambridge and the LEGO Foundation. They demonstrate a positive link between father-child play and children's later ability to regulate their emotions. Children who enjoyed high-quality play with their fathers were less likely to be hyperactive or develop emotional or behavioral problems. They were also better at controlling aggression and less likely to lash out at peers during disagreements at school.

One-on-one time with dad is important

Children need attention and validation that they are important. One-on-one time with their dad brings countless benefits. It's an opportunity for both parents to get to know each other better, strengthen their bond, and build positive memories. Playing together is crucial from the first years of life. It supports basic social, cognitive, and communication skills, as well as emotional development and improves motor skills. However, it's important that this time is 100% dedicated to your child. Twenty minutes of quality play will definitely be better than hours spent side by side, for example, watching TV together, which doesn't require much interaction. It's worth carving out this time daily, as it will impact the quality of your relationship and your child's self-esteem and self-worth.