blog » June 16, 2016 by Donna John

Involved Dads & What They Really Want for Father's Day With Jill Ceder! by Donna John

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7 years ago
Involved Dads & What They Really Want for Father's Day With Jill Ceder!

Dads play such an important role in a child's life! So how can they best get involved and make a real difference? In honor of Father’s Day, we had our resident family therapist Jill Ceder, LMSW, JD, on board to share how and why a father’s involvement benefits kids, ways to get dads involved and – of course! – what dads really want for Father’s Day.

Q: What are ways a father’s involvement benefits children?

  • Research shows that kids with positively involved dads are smarter and more successful in school and work.
  • Kids with positively involved fathers are more likely to be happier and more satisfied with their lives over-all.
  • Kids with positively involved fathers have more friends and better relationships.
  • Kids with positively involved fathers are LESS likely to get into trouble, or otherwise engage in risky behavior.
  • Kids with positively involved fathers have moms who are happier and healthier.

Q: What are ways to get new dads more involved with babies?

  • Give Dad a job as soon as the baby is born. Involve him in daily activities, show him how to do things as your learn them.
  • Patience: Give Dad some time to figure out his own special soothing techniques.
  • Stop interfering and instill confidence. That means no nagging or telling Dad he is doing it all wrong!
  • Leaving Baby alone with Dad may an anxiety-inducing event for mom, but it’s a necessary step for Dad and you.

Q: What are ways to get dads involved with older kids?

  • Dads can take their child(ren) on a date. Pizza and a movie? Sporting event. Choose your favorite activity.
  • Cook and eat together. Dads can bake, grill or cook with the kids.
  • Share a hobby with your kids. Collect items together or root for your favorite team. Find something special to share.

Q: What lessons did you learn from your dad? Here are some of mine!

  • Things are never as bad as they seem, things are never as good as they seem.
  • You can add value without being the best.
  • Parents do not need to agree with all their kids’ decisions; they need to support them.
  • Work your ass off the first month of a new job. First impressions are everything.
  • Show up for the people who matter.
  • Always save room for ice cream.

Q: What do dads really want for Father’s Day?
This is from my husband:

  • Time to be active. Go for a bike ride, go for a job or attend a baseball game of your hometown team.
  • Enjoying a meal with loved ones. Put away the technology and enjoy time eating and chatting with your family.
  • Carving out special “me time.” Pick up a book, watch a movie, veg out or take a nap.
  • Treat! Go get an ice cream cone or go to the gym – whatever treating yourself means to you – go do it!

Be sure to visit Jill’s website, VeryWell.com, like her on Facebook and follow@Winnicottsmama! And check out these other 30Second Mom tips on all things Dad!

Elisa Schmitz
At 30Second Mom, we love dads! Can't wait to chat with you, Jill Ceder, LMSW, JD! Check out our new Dads' category: 30secondmom.com/category/dads/ See you tomorrow night at #30SecondMom chat!
Donna John
Great chat, Jill Ceder, LMSW, JD! If you were part of the amazing conversation, please share some of your best takeaways! What did you learn? Great "seeing" Gina Valley Toni B Holly Budde Holly Budde Raquel Masco Pam McCormick Meredith Schneider! If you weren't there, let us know what you're man is getting for Father's Day - and be sure to stop by next week's chat!
Elisa Schmitz
This is such a great interview with Jill Ceder, LMSW, JD! Thanks for all the great ideas, and thanks to Donna John for pulling this all together with great input from Gina Valley, Toni B, Holly Budde, Raquel Masco, Pam McCormick, Meredith Schneider, Jan Mostrom and more!

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