Researchers should examine how men have come to understand their roles as fathers and how this understanding can be utilized to increase father involvement. In addition, studies must offer concrete suggestions for policymakers on how to remedy the tension between work and home equitably. Recommendations for Policy Policies should be developed that encourage national and local childcare providers to increase their expectations of fathers' involvement in the care of children in their centers. Fathering education and training should become part of local and state childcare licensing guidelines and certification criteria. Care includes physical attention such as feeding and bathing and other interactions with children such as reading and playing.
Fathers tend to engage more in play activities with their children than in caretaking activities.
Generally fathers are more involved in the care of older, biological children. Fathers' lack of involvement in caretaking activities should not be interpreted as incompetence in this area. To the contrary, fathers are often equally able to interpret a child's behavior and respond appropriately to the child's needs. Fathers may have greater potential as caretakers than is reflected in their actual daily interactions with their children. Several studies have examined the effects of employment on fathers' engagement in childcare.