How to keep dad in the communication loop

With Father’s Day only a few days away we thought it appropriate to ask dads what they want to know about their toddler’s day and how to keep them up-to-date.
When everyone rushes home, gets the dinner on and then it’s bath-time, it can be a moment when dads can hang out with the children and develop a unique bond.

Dads like hearing about fun and games

We know this is a generalisation, but it seems dads are keen to hear all about the fun and games at their children’s early childhood education centre, but nappies and meals are less interesting.
However, information about sleep is super-important. Yes – every sleep deprived parent wants to speculate about what they can expect in the night ahead.

Dads can spark a child’s imagination

Toddler conversations can be quite remarkable and very imaginative, with a simple event in their day becoming extraordinary.
A piece of artwork can start a story about the colours the tamariki selected and the shapes, and with some enthusiasm from dad – the conversation could morph into a trip to the moon.

Dads want to know about friends

It can be fun for dads to find out who their children played with at day care, which is great when they meet the little friend outside of the ECE centre.
It helps dads understand who is important in their toddler’s life and builds children’s foundations for social interaction and their sense of belonging.

Dads can chat about the child’s favourite play space

Playtime is cool time and when dads know about the different areas at the childcare centre it can give them ideas for starting a conversation.
For example, the sit-on digger in the sandpit might be a child’s favourite toy and an astute dad can say, “What did you build in the sandpit today?”

Technology helps keep dads in their children’s ECE adventures

Technology has made it easier for dads to stay in tune with their child’s favourite activities, with Kinder m8 sharing newsfeeds, daily diaries, and learning stories and journeys.
However, some technology, such as social media, may put more pressure on dads to be super-dads. Don’t stress Dad – you don’t have to be perfect.

Dad events with toddlers at day care

Opportunities to join tamariki in their space can be insightful and a whole lot of fun for dads.

Coming up to Father’s Day many ECE centres will host a special dad event and ideally the centre needs to give dads a heads up about three weeks in advance.
Dads tell us they prefer events to be later in the day and they like to receive the invite on their smart device, which automatically locks it into their calendar.
Kinder m8 can do this as well as collect dads’ RSVPs, send updates and reminders, to make sure dads remember the important date.

Dads want to know about bumps, bruises and upset tummies

When working with children it is inevitable that incidents, accidents and illnesses occur, and many dads want to be kept informed about these.
Parenting is a balance of the fun stuff and the tough stuff and if dads know the details of an incident, it helps them understand the impact on their child and how it will be prevented in future.
Phew – it is great Kinder m8 has a great incident and illness function to keep dads informed.

Happy Father’s Day Dads

Put your feet up, read a story with the kids, walk on the beach and be dad in your own way.
Your children will always want you to be part of their day and on Father’s Day, we hope you have an opportunity to share a special moment with your precious tiny tots.