What children need from their dads, on Father’s Day and every day

This Sunday (7 September) is Father’s Day, and Barnardos believes that dads deserve to be celebrated. We do a whole lot of work across Aotearoa New Zealand to help dads, mums, families and whānau to be the best they can be and to support their children to thrive.

This Father’s Day, while dads around the country are enjoying being spoiled by their children, it’s an important time to have a think about the top things that children need from their dads:

Time! It’s hard when life’s busy, but spending time with your children while they’re young is important, not to mention fun. Take ten minutes when you come in from work to sit with them and chat about what they’ve been up to.

Play – playing and having fun together is an essential part of family life, and makes for a solid relationship in the years to come too. A trip to the park or the playground with the kids is always a good option.

A positive influence – as a dad you are an important role model… so be a good one! Why not take time to teach your child a new skill, like riding a bike or making something?

Unconditional love – it’s vital for children to feel nurtured, valued and respected. And when they do feel that way, the chances are that they will grow up to be great parents too. Give them a hug and tell them you love them!

“Barnardos recognises the huge benefit to children of a positive relationship with their dad, and we do a lot of work to support those relationships,” says Barnardos Chief Executive Jeff Sanders. “It’s all part of our purpose – to support, challenge and empower families to make Aotearoa New Zealand the best place to be a child. Barnardos is growing the great dads of the future too.

By ensuring that more children are valued and respected in their homes and communities, and helping to break intergenerational cycles of neglect and abuse, we’re helping children to grow up to make a positive contribution to their families and to society. Good dads are priceless.”

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