Television watching, fathers report, is how they spend a great deal of time with their children. Fathers like problem solving. Focus on activities for fathers that incorporate problem solving with their children. Fathers' play differs from mothers' play, which typically is more educational in nature. If planning father-oriented games and activities, take note of the play difference.
Fathers tend to engage in fewer verbal activities with their children than do mothers.
This can be exacerbated if their child has a disability because the father is rarely taught how to communicate with his child who has a disability. Not surprisingly, fathers report that they view the development of communication skills with their children as a high priority. This may be particularly true for fathers who have children with disabilities. Fathers suggest that they need information on interpreting non-verbal cues of their infants and toddlers. Service providers should make sure that fathers have the opportunity to be included in the family-centered services provided to children with disabilities and their families.