How do Fathers Matter with very young children?
Fathers matter a lot!

• How Dad treats Mom sets the example for children about how to treat others. Children crave security. They need the people in their life to be safe and protective of them. Job #1 for parents: Keep kids safe! When Mom and Dad can communicate honestly and fairly with each other, children learn good communication skills. When Dad tenderly kisses Mom, kids learn appropriate ways of affection. Feeling safe, secure, protected means love to young children.
• Fathers play with their children differently than mothers do. Fathers are more playful, adventurous, encouraging children to stretch their limits. Dad, carefully roll the ball to a young child who has learned to sit by himself. Let the child reach for it and try to roll it back. Let your children climb on you; this helps them develop a sense of balance, learning to take a risk to climb a little higher or on a bumpy surface.
• Children don’t need flashing toys that go ZOOM. Dad can make a pretend car out of a block of wood and race it, with sound effects, around the room. Then let your daughter do it too. Or bring home a big cardboard box and help cut out a door and some windows. Kids love to let their imaginations turn a box into a house, a fire station, or even a space ship.