A father is amazing. He protects and can navigate the complexities of life while raising his children. He is action-oriented and even though he may not always say the word, “love,” he expresses it in gesture and deeds. Like when he’s determined to fix things and solve problems. And that strong, steady look in his eyes when he comes into the room to observe.
When a father looks at his children, he sees his lineage – a legacy he wants to succeed.
I came across a story of a father who had six children. He was a military veteran and when his wife died, he took on the role of both parents. He was their ‘everything.’ He provided for them, nurtured them, and helped them grow into independence. And he is one reason we have Father’s Day. It was an idea that came from his daughter.
While reminiscing about her childhood, she wanted to find a way to honor her father and celebrate all fathers. She worked with local organizations and her local observance grew into a worldwide celebration.
Playing with children brings great benefits
One of the ways a father connects with his children is by playing with them. When a father plays, he turns into a twirling machine, a support beam, an airplane, even an object for little ones to climb. He becomes a pillar for his children to admire and emulate as he encourages them to try new things and take certain risks.
Interestingly, playing with children also brings other great benefits.
Playing with children and engaging them in physical activity helps improve their readiness and receptivity. It can also have a positive impact on their mental health.1 And encourage them to maintain an active lifestyle as they continue into adulthood.
Here are the benefits of physical activity for children from the U.S. Centers for Disease and Control Prevention:
- Improves attention and memory
- Reduces risk of depression
- Builds strong muscles and endurance
- Improves blood pressure and aerobic fitness
- Helps maintain normal blood sugar levels, sometimes called cardiometabolic health
- Reduces risk of several chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes and obesity
- Strengthens bones
- Helps regulate body weight and reduce body fat
What’s more, encouraging a combination of aerobic and strengthening activities throughout the week can really reap great results. For example, when children participate in catching and throwing along with running and climbing on playground equipment, they benefit from aerobic activity while also strengthening their bones and muscles.
Children with disabilities also benefit from physical activity. So, speak with your doctor and work with a physical activity specialist to help you understand what works best.2
Keep playing with your children. Encourage regular physical activity because it helps them in more ways than you may have realized.
Dad Photo Puzzle.
- CDC, “Health Benefits of Physical Activity for Children,” April 2024, https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/health-benefits/children.html ↩︎
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2018. ↩︎
