Check out the Super Dads Super Kids game.
It is loaded with fun activities for dads with kids of any age to do together. Register with us to be able to access this cool resource.
The Canadian Father Involvement Initiative can support programs and agencies working with dads. Our focus is on promoting father-friendly practice across the board. Check out the "training" page for more details.
Hey Dad,
Are you looking for some fathering resources and ideas? FII-ON has some booklets that you might be interested in.
Read our blog!
Car Seat Safety
We are starting off the new year thinking about safety. We welcome guest author, Mohammad Bhorat, as he shares some great tips on safely installing a car seat. (read more)
Fathers in Blended Families Take It "One Step at a Time"
Any father might wonder at times about what role he should play in his family. Fathers in blended families probably have even more questions because they have more than one family to influence. Here are some thoughts for step dads . . . (read more)
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New Dads
So, you are a new father. How's it going? Intimidated? Happy? Confused? A mix of everything?
Being a new dad is an exciting time, but it can also bring some real challenges. And your role matters - the more you can be with your baby and care for your baby, the better off you both will be down the road.
Fathers can develop a strong bond with their children:
- start the connection with your baby as early as you can - even before she is born
- the mort important experiences for a baby's brain are ordinary one - being carried, fed, bathed, diapered, getting outside, playing peek-a-boo, or hearing loving, caring words
- do things together with your baby - take him shopping, go to the park, listen to music, visit some friends
The importance of touch
- touch is one way you communicate your feelings to your baby
- touch stimulates a baby’s brain in ways that help your child deal with stress and strong feelings throughout her life
- touch needs to be loving, caring and gentle
- being held, carried, stroked, massaged, or even sleeping on your chest are all ways to touch your child
Emotional Development
- Comfort your child when he is upset. But be aware that you can't control your child's feelings.
- Allow your child to feel the way she feels. Try not to say things like, "Don't be silly!" to a child who is angry, afraid or sad.
- Use feeling words when your child is emotional. "You're really frustrated, aren't you?" "I can tell you're really excited about seeing your cousins!"
- Be patient. Children learn to handle emotions gradually. At times their emotional responses will seem mature. Other times, they will be immature.
- Model good emotional management. Children learn a lot from the way you handle emotions.
Building Brains Through Play
- play gets the brain working - it gets children interested in things.
- play helps develop language skills - reading, rhymes, and tickling games help a baby connect words with sounds.
- play can be a way for a child to participate in life - babies learn about the world by watching and copying you.
- play gives an opportunity for problem-solving and learning - by trying new things babies learn their abilities and limitations.
- play is meant to be fun - play is one thing that makes childhood enjoyable and interesting