The Fathering Project was founded by Dr. Bruce Robinson, a distinguished lung specialist who spent years treating men with terminal illnesses. Time and again, he heard the same regret from his patients – they wished they had spent more time with their children.
Determined to make a difference, Dr. Robinson established The Fathering Project in 2013 to raise awareness about the vital role fathers play in their children's lives and to provide practical tools to support dads in being present, engaged, and emotionally connected.
Research1,2 consistently highlights the profound impact fathers have on their children’s development. Children with involved fathers experience stronger cognitive and social-emotional development, better academic outcomes, and greater resilience. Active father involvement from the early years has been linked to higher self-esteem, better problem-solving skills, and stronger relationships later in life.
Despite this evidence, many fathers feel unsure about their role in early learning or perceive early education as primarily a mother’s domain. This is where The Fathering Project steps in, working with early learning centres across the country to create environments where fathers feel welcomed, valued, and encouraged to participate.
About The Fathering Project
The Fathering Project is dedicated to improving children’s physical, mental and emotional wellbeing and preventing harm by advocating for positive engaged fatherhood, with a clear focus on creating a collaborative environment in families where fathers as well as mothers are recognised and supported as equal partners in parenting.
This unified approach not only challenges traditional gender stereotypes, recognising mothers as vital allies, but equips families with the tools and resources needed to ensure every child is nurtured and has the opportunity to live their best life.
Initiatives like evidence-based workshops and early learning and school-based programs, online resources and community events provide practical strategies and a strong network of support in helping fathers make a lasting, positive impact on their children's lives.
Why engage fathers in early learning?
Fathers’ engagement in early childhood brings many benefits to children including positive cognitive, emotional, and social outcomes from birth to adolescence.
Fathers’ involvement also helps reduce negative outcomes as children grow up regardless of race, education status and socioeconomic status of the fathers. A fathers’ influence on children’s development is found to be separate to that of mothers. This evidence does not show fathers’ influence as superior to that of mothers, but as a separate, important factor in children’s successful transition though infancy to adulthood.
The early years are a critical window for brain development, and fathers who are actively engaged during this time help lay the foundation for lifelong success. Studies3 show that when dads are involved in early learning:
- Children develop stronger language and communication skills.
- They experience better emotional regulation and resilience.
- They demonstrate higher confidence and stronger peer relationships.
- They are more likely to remain engaged in learning throughout their school years.
By fostering father engagement, early learning centres can create stronger family connections, more confident children, and a supportive community that benefits everyone involved.
Top tips to engage fathers
- Make engagement easy – Schedule events at dad-friendly times, offer flexible participation options, and use clear communication that directly invites dads.
- Create a father-friendly environment – Display photos of involved dads, engage fathers during drop-offs and pick-ups, and provide dad-focused parenting resources.
- Encourage dad-to-dad connection – Host casual "Dads & Kids" events, facilitate a Dads Group, and use digital platforms to keep fathers engaged.
Learn more
By taking small, intentional steps to involve fathers, early learning centres can help set children up for a lifetime of success – because when dads show up, kids thrive.
References:
1 The Fathering Project. (n.d.). Fathers matter: Research evidence. Retrieved from https://thefatheringproject.org/download/fathers-matter-research-evidence/
2 Emerging Minds. (Feb, 2024). How fathers can positively influence children’s mental health through play. Retrieved from https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/how-fathers-can-positively-influence-childrens-mental-health-through-play/?audience=organisation
3 Pagan, G., & Fagan, J. (2008). Father involvement in early childhood programs: Review of literature. Early Child Development and Care, 178(7-8), 745-759.