3 ways dads make a big difference in their kids' lives

Dads foster their kids' mental development.

• Help kids build their communication skills when they ask them questions or require them to clarify what they're saying
• Encourage kids to take age-appropriate risks when they go outside their comfort zone.
• Help kids reduce anxiety.

• Read together with young children and engage them in back-and-forth conversation using wh-questions (i.e., Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?).
• For older kids, form a book club where you both read the same book and talk about it together.
• When on the playground, stand back and allow children to attempt new activities on their own first, without interfering, but provide safety and encouragement from the sidelines.

Dads help kids grow emotionally.

• Become less distressed in frustrating situations when they laugh with and praise their toddlers.
• Learn how to manage their emotions and develop better relationships with friends.
• Have more positive outlooks, greater confidence and better school grades as teens when dads show them love and acceptance.

• When your kids are upset, validate their feelings and help them brainstorm solutions or alternatives to the source of their frustration. For example, if your child gets upset that a favorite toy broke, tell them it’s okay to be sad and help them figure out how to fix it or suggest another fun activity they could do instead.
• Hug your kids often, and tell your kids that you love them as much as you can.

Dads help their kids grow up to be healthy.

• Are present at regular family meals.
• Encourage healthy eating and activity.
• Model healthy behaviors.

• Kids are more likely to eat foods that they helped prepare, so involve your kids in making meals and snacks. Even preschoolers can help prepare food (for example, washing or mixing ingredients, brushing bread or potatoes with oil) and older kids can help with chopping and cooking.
• Take walks or hikes together, play tag or basketball.