Kids do better when dads play with them: A new study on parenting

While everyone knows that it's great when dads play with their kids, it seems that it has more positive effects than we used to think.

A new report suggests that fathers can help their children do better in primary school by spending time with them on activities like reading, drawing, and playing.

Let's find out more about it.

How it was discovered

Research discovered that when fathers regularly engaged in activities such as reading, storytelling, drawing, and singing with their children, it had a positive effect on their school performance.

Specifically, fathers who participated in these activities with their three-year-olds contributed to better school performance by the time their children turned five.

This involvement continued to show positive effects on their children's assessment scores at the age of seven.

The study emphasized that fathers' involvement had a beneficial influence on their children's educational achievements, regardless of factors like the child's gender, ethnicity, age, or the household's income.

While both mothers and fathers play crucial roles in their children's lives, the research revealed that mothers had a more significant impact on children's emotional and social development, whereas fathers had a more pronounced influence on their educational success.

Why it's important to know

The researchers recommend that fathers should try to spend time on interactive activities with their children each week, even if it's just ten minutes a day, as it can have educational benefits.

They also suggest that schools and early education providers should actively involve both parents and consider father-engagement in their evaluations.
 

• Related news:
• research
• parents
• family
• education
• children
• 6 October 2023

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