Title

The Importance Of Fathers And Play

Abstract

Fathers can play many roles in families and in fostering their children's development. Although data collected both more (Renk et al., 2003) and less (McBride & Mills, 1993) recently suggest that fathers may spend less time interacting with their children relative to mothers, fathers tend to spend more time with their children involved in play activities relative to mothers (McBride & Mills, 1993; Phares, 1999; Renk et al., 2003; Russell & Russell, 1994). Some professionals may minimize the importance of play activities in the lives of children (i.e., relative to the caregiving activities that are more typical of mothers); however, play is proving to be quite important to the development of children in today's society. For example, research suggests that unstructured play can help to foster children's cognitive and social development, particularly for boys (e.g., in the context of the school day; Gross-Loh, 2007). Thus, in a time when children's opportunities for play are being restricted (e.g., recess is being dismissed as expendable in many elementary schools; Gross-Loh, 2007), fathers may be able to offer a particularly important opportunity to engage in play activities with their sons and daughters, if given the opportunity. As a result, this chapter will explore how fathers may be able to foster their children's development through play activities. First, the importance of fathers and their involvement in the lives of their children will be examined. Next, the importance of play in the context of children's development will be examined. Then, fathers' interactions with their children in the context of play activities will be explored. Relevant differences for sons versus daughters will be included in this discussion. Finally, recommendations will be offered for how fathers may continue to foster their children's development through play interactions that appear to be typical of fathers. © 2011 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.

Publication Date

12-1-2012

Publication Title

Fatherhood: Roles, Responsibilities and Rewards

Number of Pages

1-28

Document Type

Article; Book Chapter

Personal Identifier

scopus

Socpus ID

84891978582 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/84891978582

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