Dads and Father's Day

Dads

A child's immediate family is central to their being. Early childhood professionals can help strengthen the father-child bond, even while they are in childcare.

The Interest Forest recognises that Australian families are complex. This page is for parents who identify as fathers. Our parents and carers page is for special grown-ups, including those who don't consider themselves to be either a mum or dad.

Learning about parents links with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). This topic helps children connect with people (4.4), become strong in their social and emotional wellbeing (3.1), and feel safe, secure and supported (1.1).

How to celebrate Fathers Day in childcare

Some early childhood educators feel pressured to make gifts on Fathers Day, which can be time-consuming and involve unpaid work. Other educators choose not to celebrate this day out of respect for diverse families. Read our suggestions for new ways to meaningfully celebrate Fathers Day (without the handprints and laminating).

Capture a moment

Take a photo of each child doing something they love or holding a sign that says Happy Fathers Day. Either print out the photo or send it via email.

Make a book

Gather artwork created by the child throughout the year and turn it into a simple book. Children who are old enough can help make the books and write messages inside.

Write a letter

Educators can help children write letters to their dads. Either start with a blank piece of paper or print out a form and fill in the gaps for each child (e.g. "I love my dad/mum because…"). Or get creative and help children write their own poems.

Bake biscuits

Have fun cooking yummy treats together as a group, but don't eat them all! Send the goodies home as a gift.

Invite parents to stay and play

The most meaningful gift is time together, so invite dads to play with their children at the centre. Set up a fun activity at the end of the day, hold an afternoon tea, or invite performers to put on a show for the children and their families.

Read a case study about a fathers night (PDF), planned by children in Queensland. They recognised that many dads work during the day and planned an event in the evening. Planning the event required children to brainstorm ideas, learn about their fathers, and make things for the event.

Give in… and make hand prints

Read Is good intent good enough? A critical reflection on CELA. Beth Sebesfi is an early childhood teacher and mother. She shares her experience of receiving her own daughter's handprints from her childcare for Fathers Day.

Learning experiences about dads

Create multi-step portraits of their dads using charcoal, paint and collage. This artwork style is called mixed media and it can be completed over a week or more. Start with one layer (e.g. paint). Once it has dried commence a new layer (e.g. collage). Focus on the process rather than the end product.
Talk about animals that have amazing fathers. Learn the different things they do to nurture and protect their young. Read Remarkable animal dads on WWF Stories.
Interview a dad. Children create a list of questions to ask their own dad or any person who is a dad. This is a great way for children to learn more about their parents and fatherhood in general.
Set up a play area with toy people, including babies, children and adult males. Let the play unfold naturally and observe the stories children tell.

Help children connect with their dads

Welcome dads into your service

Actively encourage dads to become involved with your service; don't assume they are not interested.

Fathers may seem disinterested if they don't feel valued or welcome. Early childhood settings can be very female-centred. What can you do to change this?

Identify obstacles fathers have to being involved with your service. Common examples include distance, finances, working hours, language, culture, and social anxiety.

Develop positive relationships with dads from the moment families tour your service:

Ensure educators are not speaking to the mum and ignoring the dad.
If necessary, ask difficult questions about family dynamics.
Where appropriate, introduce yourself and share information with dads who live a long distance away.

Help children communicate with their dads

Organise a time for children to chat with their dads over video. Dads might read a story, teach a skill, or give a virtual tour of their work. The children can introduce them to their friends and show things they like playing with. Alternatively, write a letter and walk to the post office to send it.

Promote healthy lifestyles

Help children and dads build relationships while promoting healthy lifestyles. Partner with Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids, an award-winning program. Or start are similar initiative of your own.

Interactions

Use inclusive language when talking to children about fathers. Avoid biased statements like "oh no, did your dad dress you this morning?" It is okay for men to have different child-raising opinions and strategies to women. Children benefit from exposure to diverse perspectives.

Events

In Australia, Fathers Day is the first Sunday in September
1st June is Global Day of Parents

Discussions

Discuss fathers and their positive role in child raising. What do they do to help children feel safe, cared for, nurtured and supported? Construct positive beliefs and attitudes about the role of the father.

How old can a dad be?
How many dads can somebody have?
Can an adult have a dad?
What do dads look like?
What do they do?
What does it mean to be a dad?
Do animals have dads?

Reflections

What are the common trends among fathers at your service? Each community is different. What works at one service may not work at yours.
How would dads feel if you did not celebrate Fathers Day or you replaced it with a more inclusive event? Raising children is deeply emotional and being a dad can be part of a man's identity. How would a dad feel if they received a "special grown-ups" card instead?
Do you have preconceived ideas about what it means to be a dad? How does this affect your teaching?
If children at your service don't have traditional relationships with their fathers, can you respectfully include them in learning experiences about dads?