Fathers' play also is qualitatively different, using fewer toys, relying less on traditional games and themes and more on activation and exploring. Bathing, diapering, dressing and brushing teeth are more intensely physical and playful by dad. Infants 7 to 13 months respond more positively to dad lifting them than to mom. Fathers carrying children tend to hold them face forward. This gives the child the same view of world as the father.
Mothers hold the child facing inward or over the shoulders.
When a child is struggling, mom and dad respond differently. Mothers try to help. Fathers hang back a little and encourage the child verbally or physically to bear the frustration and stick with the task. When a child learns to ride a two-wheeler, dads are more likely to put a child back on the bike after a failed attempt. Mothers slow and simplify speech for preschoolers.