Dad is king of the kids
PLAYTIME WITH FATHERS GREATLY IMPROVES CHILDREN’S DEVELOPMENT, WRITES PASCO ROGATO
It has long been recognised that playtime is an important element in child development. A study shows there can be benefits for children who spend time playing with their fathers. Children with higher levels of self-confidence spend more time playing with their fathers than those on the lower end of the self-confidence scale.
IT has long been recognised that playtime is an important element in child development.
But a recent study shows there can be particular benefits for children who spend time playing with their fathers.
Children with higher levels of self-confidence spend more time playing with their fathers than those on the lower end of the self-confidence scale, according to a study from Barbie.
Dads across the country view playtime as beneficial to both their personal and their child’s development.
Three quarters (77 per cent) believe playtime provides an opportunity to bond with their child, 64 per cent said it was important for their child’s emotional development, and 61 per cent believes it gives them the opportunity to teach their children about self-worth and self-confidence.
First-time Cairns dad Robert Cosentino agrees.
He says playing with 11month-old Emiliana helps him unwind at the end of the day, and benefited his daughter.
“Even if you’ve had a stressful day, I see that big giggle on her face and she’s all excited,” Mr Cosentino said. “It’s so good.
“My wife (Toni) was telling me that when Emiliana hears the garage roller door, she gets excited and starts calling ‘Dad, Dad, Dad.’
“She likes playing with lots of things at this stage; it’s not just dolls, she has building blocks and shapes and letters. She also likes playing with those bouncy balls. It’s a bit of everything.”
Mr Cosentino says if and when the time comes, he will have no problem attending a “dolls’ tea party” in the future.
“I don’t mind. I’m pretty easy. I think it’s important that you play with your children, if you don’t, you don’t get that time to gel with them.
“It lets them know you are there for them and you care.”
The Barbie survey of 1260 Australians (630 fathers and their children) showed dads who spend more time playing with their children have positive impacts on their levels of self-confidence, career aspirations and positivity around growing up.
For those spending less time playing with their kids, it’s not through a lack of want.
Nearly all dads (95 per cent) would sacrifice at least one thing, whether it’s TV, social media – even a date with their partner – to have more playtime with their child.
Working full-time, Robert makes the most of his opportunities to spend time with his daughter; dropping home during lunch breaks if possible, taking her to swimming lessons on the weekend, and doing his fair share with bath time, meals and nappy changes.
“I might be working, but when I get home I use it as our time together,” he said.