Dads play such an important role in a child's life! So how can they best get involved and make a real difference? In honor of Father’s Day, we had our resident family therapist Jill Ceder, LMSW, JD, on board to share how and why a father’s involvement benefits kids, ways to get dads involved and – of course! – what dads really want for Father’s Day.
Q: What are ways a father’s involvement benefits children?
- Research shows that kids with positively involved dads are smarter and more successful in school and work.
- Kids with positively involved fathers are more likely to be happier and more satisfied with their lives over-all.
- Kids with positively involved fathers have more friends and better relationships.
- Kids with positively involved fathers are LESS likely to get into trouble, or otherwise engage in risky behavior.
- Kids with positively involved fathers have moms who are happier and healthier.
@j_mostrom and Dads are a little girls first love. Dads carry a huge responsibility in their daughters' future relationships. #30secondmom
— Holly Love (@Holly_Love2) June 9, 2016
Q: What are ways to get new dads more involved with babies?
- Give Dad a job as soon as the baby is born. Involve him in daily activities, show him how to do things as your learn them.
- Patience: Give Dad some time to figure out his own special soothing techniques.
- Stop interfering and instill confidence. That means no nagging or telling Dad he is doing it all wrong!
- Leaving Baby alone with Dad may an anxiety-inducing event for mom, but it’s a necessary step for Dad and you.
@Winnicottsmama I have to say....I'm HAPPY to see more hands-on dads than ever before....so diff from when I was a kid #30secondmom
— Toni B (@rychepet) June 9, 2016
Q: What are ways to get dads involved with older kids?
- Dads can take their child(ren) on a date. Pizza and a movie? Sporting event. Choose your favorite activity.
- Cook and eat together. Dads can bake, grill or cook with the kids.
- Share a hobby with your kids. Collect items together or root for your favorite team. Find something special to share.
Give dad & a teen a problem to solve together, whether making dinner, painting the bathroom, planning vacation. #30secondmom
— Gina Valley (@GinaValley) June 9, 2016
Q: What lessons did you learn from your dad? Here are some of mine!
- Things are never as bad as they seem, things are never as good as they seem.
- You can add value without being the best.
- Parents do not need to agree with all their kids’ decisions; they need to support them.
- Work your ass off the first month of a new job. First impressions are everything.
- Show up for the people who matter.
- Always save room for ice cream.
My dad stressed that we can do anything & if we can't, then we can learn how to do it & then do it. Everything is doable. #30secondmom
— Gina Valley (@GinaValley) June 9, 2016
Q: What do dads really want for Father’s Day?
This is from my husband:
- Time to be active. Go for a bike ride, go for a job or attend a baseball game of your hometown team.
- Enjoying a meal with loved ones. Put away the technology and enjoy time eating and chatting with your family.
- Carving out special “me time.” Pick up a book, watch a movie, veg out or take a nap.
- Treat! Go get an ice cream cone or go to the gym – whatever treating yourself means to you – go do it!
@30secondmom @Winnicottsmama A5 I let my hubby go golfing & have food ready when he gets home :) #30secondmom
— Toni B (@rychepet) June 9, 2016
Be sure to visit Jill’s website, VeryWell.com, like her on Facebook and follow@Winnicottsmama! And check out these other 30Second Mom tips on all things Dad!