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

Making time each day for your child makes them feel special and you can see how important you are to them.

• Be there for one on one play time as much as possible. It can be climbing, active, drawing, kicking a ball, collecting rocks, reading.
• Take time each day t0o ask your child about their day.
• Dad-child talk is very important for their language and development. You can describe what you are doing now, and ask your child to predict what you will do next.
  

BE AVAILABLE

Children are just as happy helping you with simple jobs like digging the garden or washing the car.

• Be there while they play in a group with their friends. Play along with their dads.
• Take them to your workplace so they can see where daddy goes and what daddy does.
• Help your child met other kids – go out and meet other dads at the park, the beach. Help your child  get to know and play with other children.
• When shopping with your child encourage them to help you – to find and hold the bananas, to count 3 tins of tomatoes etc…

SHARING PARENTING

There are lost of ways you can show you care for your child -n even if you aren’ty with them.

• When you drop off or collect your child from childcare or pre-school, have a look at their classroom, where thy eat and play.
• Get involved with the pre-school. Be part of a working bee, or shao and tell.
• Attend a Dad’s breakfast or function at the pre-school.
• Stay connected to your child – desktop photos, a calendar marking teh days you will be together.
  

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