Dads Tool Box for sons and daughters 1 – 2 years
Being involved in your kids life matters. Research has shown that as a dad, building a positive and involved relationship with your child from the beginning can make an enormous difference not only to their early development…but right into their adult life.
BE HANDS-ON
Kids often love the excitement of rough and tumble play with dad.
- Get messy with your child in their play – in sand, with water, hands painting.
- Paint the fence with water, draw with chalk on the pavement, build trains and houses from cardboard boxes, kick balls.
- Talk with your toddler – you encourage your child to use a more diverse vocabulary
BE AVAILABLE
To be nearby but not directly involved in your child’s play is also one ay of playing together at this age.
- Comment on what you observe your child doing. If you are siting on the lounge and they are playing at your feet, state what is happening, :hey, you are building a tower”
- Describe what your child is looking at “yellow duck” or big tractors”
- Sit down and play beside your child, and you can each be doing different things
- Leave a low cupboard unlocked with plastic containers and saucepan. Your child will love playing with this while you are in the kitchen cooking.
SHARING PARENTING
Thinking ahead, making plans, planning surprises – dads can play a role in every area of their child’s life.
- Stay connective with your child at work or if living separately with photos, letters, calendars
- Check the calendar for upcoming events and appointments. (use the www.dadsclub.com.au free calendar service so you never miss a thing). Can you arrange babysitting, do you need to rearrange your schedule?
- Childproof your home.Get the home safety checklist
Taken, in part, from DAD’S TOOLKIT. Building blocks and talking tools for dads with children 0 – 8 years.
For a FREE copy of Dad’s Toolkit: please email dadsclub.com.au your name and address to giveaways@dadsclub.com.au
For more information visit
- www.nsw.relationships.com.au support and resources for dads & their families
- www.cfii.ca useful books and information on being an involved dad
- www.raisingchildren.net tips on child development & parenting
- www.menslineaus.org.au all about men, families & relationships
Dads’ Toolkit has been developed by Families NSW and Relationships Australia
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10 Ways to Be a Better Dad
Respect Your Children’s Mother
One of the best things a father can do for his children is to respect their mother. If you are married, keep your marriage strong and vital. If you’re not married, it is still important to respect and support the mother of your children. A father and mother who respect each other, and let their children know it, provide a secure environment for them. When children see their parents respecting each other, they are more likely to feel that they are also accepted and respected.
Spend Time with Your Children
How a father spends his time tells his children what’s important to him. If you always seem to busy for your children, they will feel neglected no matter what you say. Treasuring children often means sacrificing other things, but it is essential to spend time with your children. Kids grow up so quickly. Missed opportunities are forever lost.
Earn the Right to Be Heard
All too often the only time a father speaks to his children is when they have done something wrong. That’s why so many children cringe when their mother says, “Your father wants to talk with you.” Begin talking with your kids when they are very young so that difficult subjects will be easier to handle as they get older. Take time and listen to their ideas and problems.
Discipline with Love
All children need guidance and discipline, not as punishment, but to set reasonable limits. Remind your children of the consequences of their actions and provide meaningful rewards for desirable behavior. Fathers who discipline in a calm and fair manner show love for their children.
Be a Role Model
Fathers are role models to their kids whether they realize it or not. A girl who spends time with a loving father grows up knowing she deserves to be treated with respect by boys, and what to look for in a husband. Fathers can teach sons what is important in life by demonstrating honesty, humility and responsibility. “All the world’s a stage…” and a father plays one of the most vital roles.
Be a Teacher
Too many fathers think teaching is something others do. But a father who teaches his children about right and wrong, and encourages them to do their best, will see his children make good choices. Involved fathers use everyday examples to help their children learn the basic lessons of life.
Eat Together as a Family
Sharing a meal together (breakfast, lunch or dinner) can be an important part of healthy family life. In addition to providing some structure in a busy day, it gives kids the chance to talk about what they are doing and want to do. It is also a good time for fathers to listen and give advice. Most importantly, it is a time for families to be together each day.
Read to Your Children
In a world where television often dominates the lives of children, it is important that fathers make the effort to read to their children. Children learn best by doing and reading, as well as seeing and hearing. Begin reading to your children when they are very young. When they are older encourage them to read on their own. Instilling your children with a love for reading is one of the best ways to ensure they will have a lifetime of personal and career growth.
Show Affection
Children need the security that comes from knowing they are wanted, accepted and loved by their family. Parents, especially fathers, need to feel both comfortable and willing to hug their children. Showing affection everyday is the best way to let your children know that you love them.
Realize that a Father’s Job Is Never Done
Even after children are grown and ready to leave home, they will still look to their fathers for wisdom and advice. Whether it’s continued schooling, a new job or a wedding, fathers continue to play an essential part in the lives of their children as they grow and, perhaps, marry and build their own families.