The benefits of playing with your child

Father-child playtime is an important aspect of a child’s development. Playtime not only allows for bonding and building a stronger relationship between a father and child, but it also has significant positive effects on a child’s development. In this short blog, we will explore the benefits of fathers and father figures simply playing with their […]

Play is a game changer for toddlers

At the Fathering Project, we believe that “play is a game changer” for children’s development. Fathers who engage in active play with their kids encourage them to explore, discover, and problem-solve. In particular, rough and tumble play, such as tickling, chasing, and fun wrestling, has been shown to boost children’s confidence and ability to cope […]

A dad’s role in building healthy self-esteem

A key factor in the development of resilience in children and young people is a healthy self-esteem. The way we speak to them and about ourselves is essential, as it will eventually become their inner voice. This is why it is so important to promote healthy self esteem through leading by example. If we want […]

Empowering your child’s self-image and self-identity

Your child’s self-image or self-identity refers to their mental image of themselves, of who they are as individuals, socially and more globally. A sense of image or identity can be shaped by experiences, interactions with others, the local environment, and their own unique personality. Self-image has a lot to do with self-esteem because how your […]

Lingering anxiety since returning to school

All children and young people will experience anxiety at some stage because it’s a natural reaction our bodies have to a challenging or stressful event, or when we are pushed outside our comfort zone. Starting school can be a time of anxiety for children and young people especially if they are starting school for the […]

Back to school: Tips to support overtired behaviour

It can take a few weeks to get back into the swing of the school routine. The first few months can be tiring for your child, you are likely to see some irritability, tantrums and tears. Settling into a new school year can mean different routines, different expectations, as well new people and environments. School […]

Dad-proof tip: Support school learning at home

When fathers support learning from school, at home, this demonstrates to your child that you truly value education and learning. Your job as a parent is to encourage them to discover things for themselves and challenge them to learn and improve. If you can instil in them the mindset that learning is a process that […]

What do girls need most from their dads?

Seven things girls need most from their dads. From the moment your daughter is born, you will play a key role in her development. In fact, when fathers are present in their daughters’ lives, girls grow up with a much healthier sense of who they are.   Research has shown, that when fathers provide praise, support, […]

What do boys need most from their dads?

Raising boys in today’s society can be challenging to say the least. There are many mixed messages floating around about raising boys, what it means to be a good man, masculinity; and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. What we do know, is what the research says – for children to thrive, and boys […]

Dad-proof tip: Determine your family values

Family values form the foundation for children to understand right from wrong and to make independent good decisions when you are not there to guide them. This becomes especially important when your child moves into their teen years. Your family values define what you, as a family, think is important, what is good and how […]

How to talk to your kids about cyberbullying

Talking to your child about cyberbullying in today’s society has never been more important. In the lead up to World Kindness Day we encourage you to open the lines of communication around treating others with kindness and take action against bullying and cyberbullying. Although development of online technology has provided us with some amazing new […]

Dad-proof tip: Support your child’s emotional wellbeing

A child’s social and emotional wellbeing is a vital part of their overall health, development and wellbeing. As fathers you play an important role in helping your children develop their social and emotional skills and understandings. You can teach and model the kinds of skills, attitudes, and behaviours your children need to master, plus you […]