Many families have reduced to a single income during the pandemic with dads disproportionately taking the breadwinner role.
Some dads have been working long hours in home while other have reduced contract with their families because they are in essential work roles.
This has left many dads with less time to connect with their kids and care for them.
How can dads better connect with their kids?
1. Take Over Some Household Routines
- Dads can take over two or three routines that are at set times of the day. Routines such as bath time, breakfast, getting kids ready for the day, or even the bedtime routines.
2. Get The Kids Involved in Chores
Dads can involve their kids in indoor or outdoor chores. This can include having their kids hand them tools, picking up toys in the yard before mowing, holding the dust pan while sweeping up, or drying dishes.
This will not only give dads bonding time, but also kids will feel valued.
3. Physical Play
- Dads can set aside some time for physical play with their kids to relax and connect, such as playing tag or chase games, going on walks or hikes, swimming, kicking a ball around or playing catch. These activities will help both dad and kids release extra energy and stress.
If you want to learn more about ParentAbility and how we use all this information in Uncommon Sense Parenting, come and join us! We also have a free Facebook group, Parenting Posse, where you can connect with many other parents with similar struggles.