How Fathers Can Support the Social and Emotional Health of Their Children

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there! As a child psychiatrist and a father of two girls, I wanted to shed light on the crucial role fathers can play in supporting our children's social and emotional well-being. Recent reports from the White House and U.S. Surgeon General regarding child mental health highlight the importance of addressing social isolation and fostering connectedness in order to help our children thrive. So, as we approach Father’s Day, I wanted to provide a few tips to my fellow dads out there to help your child grow into a happy and healthy person in today’s complex world.

Reducing Screen Time

One significant step we can take as parents to help our kids feel less isolated and anxious is to reduce their screen time. The recommended guideline is limiting it to two hours or less each day. As I’ve written about in the past, excessive screen time has been linked to conditions like depression, anxiety, impaired sleep, and diminished social interaction with peers. Moreover, the impact of social media as a form of screentime can be especially dangerous as it can negatively affect self-esteem and emotional well-being. According to a 2021 study from Common Sense Media and the Hope Lab, rates of depressive symptoms have increased substantially among teens and young adults over the past two years, and social media usage had a direct correlation to increases in depression. The study stated that young people with moderate to severe depressive symptoms use social media far more frequently than others their age. By setting boundaries and monitoring our children's screen and social media usage, we can promote healthier habits and create more opportunities for meaningful interactions.

Encouraging In-Person Social Engagement

Another way fathers can support their children's social and emotional health is by encouraging them to be more social in real life. It's important for kids to interact with peers their age and build relationships outside of their phones. Encourage your child to participate in activities, join clubs, or engage in hobbies that foster face-to-face interactions. By doing so, they can develop crucial social skills, gain confidence, and form meaningful connections with others. As fathers, we can also lead by example by nurturing our own social relationships and proactively involving our children in family and community activities.

Spending Quality Time With Our Kids

It seems like a no-brainer, but one of the most valuable gifts we can give our children is our time and undivided attention. Despite the demands of work and other responsibilities, finding moments to bond with our kids (and putting those phones away while doing it!) are essential. Engaging in outdoor activities like playing catch, going for walks with the dog, or going out and enjoying ice cream together can create lasting memories and strengthen the parent-child bond. Research consistently highlights the positive impact of quality time spent with parents or a caring adult on a child's emotional well-being and overall development. So as you think about your ideal Father’s Day this weekend, try to involve a one-on-one activity with your child as part of it. I promise you’ll both be better off for it.

To sum it up, fathers and the caregivers that play a father-like role in a child’s life are crucial to the long-term health and happiness of children. By reducing screen time, encouraging social engagement, and spending quality time with our kids, we can provide them with the support they need to thrive emotionally and socially. Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there, thank you for all you do.