Dads and father figures play many important roles, but one of the most powerful ways they can impact a child’s life is as simple as playtime. Whether it’s building blanket forts, playing catch, or sharing board game strategy, these moments do much more than entertain. A dad who joins playtime is scientifically impacting a child’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.
“When a dad gives 10 minutes of undivided attention playing with their child, it tells the child they are valued and important. This can build self-confidence and a bond with lifelong implications,” said Leslie K. Taylor, PhD, a child and adolescent psychologist with UT Physicians Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic – BBSB. “When children play, there is more than meets the eye.”
Playtime is more than just fun
Play isn’t just a form of entertainment. Play supports brain development, problem-solving, creativity, and learning.
- Cognitive development: Engaging in play focuses attention on what movements will come next and allows open creativity.
- Emotional regulation: Play can offer stress relief and build self-confidence.
- Learning conflict resolution: Adults can show children how to behave best when an unexpected detour or conflict arises.
- Parent-child bonding: Shared activities between children and parents foster trust and communication. Kids can communicate through play before they can speak.
- Physical well-being: Active play encourages movement, coordination, balance, and increases flexibility.
The dad difference
Dads often bring a different, more physical style to playtime, such as chasing, tumbling, spinning, and wrestling.
“It’s called rough-and-tumble play, and it’s a great contrast to mothers who are often trying to protect and mitigate risk,” Taylor said.
While it may appear riskier, rough-and-tumble play is associated with positive outcomes for kids. This style of play is less predictable, encouraging children to take healthy risks, building perseverance, adaptability, and self-confidence.
Benefits of physical play include:
- Better emotional regulation
- Increased social confidence
- Learning through challenge and encouragement
- Lower aggression over time
Long-term benefits of playful fathers
Playing with a child in early years and continuing that quality time through adolescence has long-term benefits.
“Research shows that children with an engaged or playful dad will have lower levels of cortisol, which is a stress hormone,” Taylor said. “A regulated brain and body contribute to an enhanced developmental trajectory.”
A bond with a father figure that supports emotion regulation can lead to:
- Academic achievement
- Stronger social skills
- Better emotional well-being
- Healthier behaviors across lifespan
- Less risk of substance use and abuse, such as alcohol and tobacco
Play ideas for dads and kids at every age
Don’t overthink playtime. Bonding with a child doesn’t have to be a grand adventure. Being together and letting children lead the fun is more valuable than taking them to a venue.
- Babies and toddlers: peekaboo, reading, sensory play, singing
- Preschool and elementary-aged: action figures, blocks, dolls, games, imaginative play, outdoor exploring, sports
- Tweens and teens: baking and cooking, card games, exercising, hiking, shared hobbies, thrifting, volunteering
“Small moments together go a long way, and will have prophylactic effects as children mature and develop,” Taylor said.
Overcoming common myths
“I don’t have enough time.”
- Play isn’t a big event every day, just 10 minutes of quality time, with smartphones put away.
- Embrace the car ride. Turn the radio off and put screens away. Let the traffic and quiet ride open up conversation.
“I’m not good at playing.”
- It may not feel natural, but that’s okay. Let kids take the lead.
- You don’t have to be good at playing. Mirror or narrate what they’re doing.
“Play is only for young kids.”
- Play is for people of all ages.
- Play can be reading together, drawing together, or creating collections together.
What is the 777 rule in parenting?
Engaging in play all comes down to undivided attention. An easy way to make time is to follow the 777 rule of parenting. Seven minutes of dedicated, uninterrupted time between dad and child, three times a day.
“Seven minutes when you wake up in the morning with hugs and tickles. Seven minutes again in the afternoon, which could be a car-ride chat. And seven minutes again at bedtime with a story,” said Taylor.
Committing to small increments of dedicated time each day will add up.
This Father’s Day make time to play
There is no right or wrong when it comes to playtime with dad. Embrace the unstructured, no-rules, fun as kids take the lead. In a busy world filled with schedules and screens, play offers a meaningful opportunity for connection and a reminder that some of the most important parenting happens during moments of fun.
“Seven to 10 minutes a day is a low investment for a great return: a well-adjusted kid who grows into a happy adult,” Taylor said.