CONTRIBUTORS
Charity Waweru-Mwangi
Communications Officer
Silas Onyango
Post-Doctoral Research Scientist
By Charity Waweru-Mwangi and Silas Onyango.
There is something profoundly beautiful about a father playing with his child—the laughter, the shared curiosity, and, more importantly, the moments of discovery that create life-long bonds. Beyond the joy, play is a crucial tool for learning, particularly for children with disabilities. Research shows that fathers actively engaging in play significantly contribute to their children’s cognitive, emotional, and social development. This engagement is even more vital for children with disabilities, as play provides a structured yet flexible space to develop essential life skills.
Fathers are uniquely positioned to support their children’s learning by bringing a distinct approach that complements the contributions of mothers and teachers. Their involvement—often hands-on and exploratory—encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Fathers often challenge their children to experiment, take risks, and foster independence, which builds self-confidence and resilience. In addition to their hands-on engagement, fathers provide structure and discipline, emphasizing goal-setting, logic, and reasoning—skills essential for academic success and real-life challenges. Ultimately, fathers’ unique approach helps cultivate a well-rounded set of skills in their children, preparing them for the challenges of education and life.
Despite these immense benefits, societal expectations or lack of awareness hinder many fathers from engaging in play, assuming that learning is a mother’s or teacher’s domain. In many cultures, traditional gender roles position mothers as the primary caregivers, responsible for nurturing and overseeing early childhood learning, while fathers are expected to focus on providing financially or taking on disciplinary roles. This division of labor can leave fathers feeling their involvement in play is unnecessary. Furthermore, fathers often face time constraints due to work and financial responsibilities, making it difficult to balance family time with other commitments. They may feel guilty for not being present and, as a result, may defer play activities to their partners or educators.
Cultural perceptions also play a role, with many viewing play as secondary to academic achievement. Fathers, especially those who measure success through academic or financial milestones, may not recognize the developmental value of play. Emotional openness, a key aspect of play, is often not aligned with traditional masculine ideals, leading fathers to feel uncomfortable with engaging in emotionally expressive activities with their children. Additionally, the historical underrepresentation of fathers in early childhood education creates a disconnect, alienating them from spaces where they could engage with their children in meaningful, playful ways. This cycle of societal expectations and misunderstandings leaves many fathers unaware of the powerful impact they can have on their children’s emotional and social development through play.
Studies indicate that fathers’ involvement in structured and free play can dramatically improve their child’s learning outcomes. A study published in the Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities found that children with disabilities whose fathers engaged in interactive play showed improved problem-solving abilities, social skills, and communication compared to those whose fathers were less involved. So, how can fathers incorporate play into their child’s learning in meaningful ways? The key lies in balancing structured play—which provides predictability and guided learning—and free play, which fosters creativity and independence.
Structured play involves activities that have set rules or objectives, offering children a predictable environment that helps build cognitive and motor skills. For children with disabilities, this kind of play is beneficial as it provides the consistency they often thrive on. Fathers can implement structured play by engaging in board games, puzzles, and interactive storytelling. Games like Snakes, Ladders, or Ludo teach turn-taking, patience, and problem-solving. A study from the National Institute for Play found that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who engaged in structured board games with their fathers showed improved executive function skills and better impulse control. Similarly, activities like LEGO building or stacking blocks help improve motor coordination and spatial awareness, reinforcing logical thinking and sequencing.
On the other hand, free play is unstructured and child-led, encouraging exploration and creativity. Free play is essential for children with disabilities as it promotes emotional regulation and social interaction. Fathers can support free play through activities like pretend play, outdoor adventures, and art exploration. Acting out everyday activities (like grocery shopping) or becoming superheroes helps children develop social cues and communication skills. Running, jumping, and climbing allow children to develop their gross motor skills, which are especially beneficial for children with ADHD. Engaging in artistic activities such as drawing, painting, or playing music gives children an avenue for self-expression, particularly for those with speech delays.
The impact of play on learning is not just anecdotal—it is backed by neuroscience. Research shows that play activates the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for critical thinking, decision-making, and emotional regulation. For children with disabilities, these areas often develop at different rates, making play an essential tool in strengthening neural pathways. Moreover, according to a Harvard Center on the Developing Child study, interactive play enhances oxytocin release, strengthening the father-child bond, which is crucial for emotional security and motivation in learning. Children who feel secure and emotionally connected with their caregivers exhibit higher resilience and learning engagement.
Therefore, play is not just a pastime for fathers of children with disabilities—it is a learning tool, a bonding experience, and a pathway to growth. Whether through structured board games or spontaneous backyard adventures, fathers play an irreplaceable role in shaping their children’s development. The key is to be present, patient, and playful.
So, to all fathers—put away the screens for a while, get on the floor, and let play be the bridge that connects you to your child’s world. In that world of imagination and joy, learning flourishes, and bonds deepen.