Learning through Play with Dad Children North East Fathers Plus

Who we are Children North East Fathers Plus (11 years)‏ Highly experienced team Successful projects, networks and resources

What the project isn't Not about father's rights. Not anti mother/women/female carer Not just about biological dads

What the project is Better outcomes for children

Why do Dads Matter When Dads and male carers are involved in their child's life and learning, the child is more likely to; Do better at school More empathic More self confident Less stereotyped in their gender roles. Build better relationships in later life

The Importance of play Picture this... A lion is basking in the sun. Three young cubs tumble, prowl and pounce around him - play-hunting, play-fighting, and occasionally launching themselves at their father, until he loses patience and brushes them away with a mighty paw. Into this picture edges David Attenborough, speaking softly so as not to disturb the family group. ‘Play’, he breathes sonorously, ‘is a very serious business’.

Why is play important? Why is play important? Group 1,2 Why is play important? Group 3,4

The Cubs They’re developing the physical control and coordination they’ll need for the hunt; they’re establishing the social pecking order within their family pack; and they’re discovering - in a safe, controlled environment - what it’s like to take risks… and what happens when you step over the line. What’s more, they’re enjoying it. Its the same for humans....

Gender differences in Play What are the differences in the way that men and women play with their children?

Gender differences? Male play is perceived as more active, and associated with sport/free play more than equipment More competitive, team games, fear factor, more rough Risk taking Female Play is linked with more passive, dialogue based interaction Imagination/role play, storytelling Emotional & creative

Dads and Play Fathers spend a larger proportion of their time playing with their young children than mothers do, and they tend to be more boisterous and active in their play. Most children enjoy this kind of play. Even if their fathers spend less time with them than their mothers, fathers become meaningful and special, to their children through play. (CIVITAS )

Rough and Tumble Through rough-and-tumble play, fathers create obstacles for their children and demand respect for limits and boundaries. At the same time, they challenge their children and encourage them to explore their own strength, their ability to do new things, and their impact on the world around them.

Problem Solving Toddlers who must work out for themselves how to achieve goals- such as retrieving a ball that is just out of reach in their father's hand or wrestling their father to the ground-are practicing important problem-solving skills. In fact, when fathers are good at playing with their young children, these children score higher on tests of thinking and problem-solving skills.

Emotional Knowledge Playing with fathers also helps children develop emotional knowledge, so that they can identify their own emotions, acknowledge the emotional experiences of others, and describe the causes of emotions. When children understand their emotions and know how to control them, it makes them more popular with other children

In practice Play is an excellent hook to engage with dads Activities must have a stronger male focus; Such as; Construction activities, with the use of real tools Messy Play – Family Man Footprints Outdoor Play – assault courses and competitions Remember.... Activities should be available at a time and venue suitable for the men

Spaghetti Bridge

Remember Play is important for both men and children; As a learning opportunity Helps with child development Builds relationships and attachments Is a time to have fun. Can be used as a good hook for bringing men in Some men need to be taught how to play Men and children playing together, learn together

Charlotte Dack Project worker www includingmen.com Workers helpline