• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Because dads don’t always think like moms™

  • Dad
    • Celebrities
    • Gay Dads
    • Sex
    • Single Dads
  • Pregnancy
    • Labor or Delivery
    • Pregnant Wife
  • Baby
    • Baby Naming
    • Feeding
    • Sleep
    • Toilet Training
  • Kids
  • Teens
  • Activities
    • Local
    • By Age
    • Movie Reviews
    • Celebrations
  • Toys
    • We Recommend
    • Toys
  • Coaching for Dads
  • Great Dad Talks Podcast
You are here: Home / Kids / Fathers’ unique parenting skills can help child’s social development

Fathers’ unique parenting skills can help child’s social development

April 23, 2009 by James Dunsford Leave a Comment

According to new research, it may be beneficial for fathers to be a kid again, at least for a little bit.

For some fathers, wrestling and playing video games with their kids can lead to some light teasing on both sides, especially if you are losing. While it may not seem like it, recent studies have found that this practice of teasing can be a helpful parenting skill in improving a child’s social development.

New research from the National Communication Association found teasing can be a positive experience in child development because it teaches them "how to show affection and deal with conflict."

"Research shows us that even very young children can recognize that teasing is not always bad; that sometimes it can be a fun way to play with friends and family," said Carol Bishop Mills, one of the authors of the study.

This may include a light-hearted "I don’t think you’re gonna make it!" during a video game or a good-humored "You think you can take down the old man? Have at it!" before some playful wrestling.

The key, according to the researchers, is to make sure everyone is laughing and having a good time. They suggest fathers use their parenting skills to identify if the teasing crosses over to bullying.

If some slight aggression does emerge from the teasing, fathers can use the opportunity to teach their child about the difference between teasing and bullying, which may help the child in a school environment.

This somewhat loose approach toward parenting can benefit a child’s social, physical and intellectual development, according to Dr. Kyle Pruett, a professor of child psychiatry at Yale and author of Fatherneed.

By engaging children in this nontraditional manner, fathers may also develop strong bonds with their kids that may not have been formed another way.ADNFCR-1662-ID-19134879-ADNFCR

Filed Under: Kids

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Great Dad Talks

Great Dad Talks
Great Dad Talks

Great Dad Talks is a series of conversations with experts on all aspects of the family adventure. With the perspective that “dads don’t always think like moms,” our mission is to support dad voices and our slightly different approaches to parenting. We’ll try to find solutions to every day challenges like getting kids off the couch and making STEM classes available for both boys and girls. But we’ll also tackle bigger issues when they come. The one main theme will be to support dads in the most important role of their lives that of being a great dad. Connect with us at greatdad.com and watch the video version of these podcasts at YouTube.com/greatdadnews

149. Winning College Applications with Hamada Zahawi
byPaul Banas

In this episode of Great Dad Talks, I sit down with admissions expert Hamada Zahawi to discuss everything parents and students need to know about getting into great colleges and universities. Whether you’re aiming for undergraduate, business, or law school, Hamada shares honest, practical advice on navigating the admissions process, finding financial aid, crafting compelling essays, and the power of authentic storytelling.

Check out Hamada’s website at writetrackadmissions.com

Visit these links and embark on the path to becoming the best parent you can be:

– GreatDad.com/coaching 

– GreatDad.com/pq 

– Gratitude course: bit.ly/3NMLDNC  

50% off for podcast listeners with code PODCAST50

149. Winning College Applications with Hamada Zahawi
149. Winning College Applications with Hamada Zahawi
June 10, 2025
Paul Banas
148. Healing Generational Trauma with Dr. Sasha Reiisi
June 3, 2025
Paul Banas
147. Discovering Dad’s Purpose with Adam Landrum
May 27, 2025
Paul Banas
146. Balancing Business and Family with Dr. Travis Parry
May 20, 2025
Paul Banas
145. Understanding Children’s Emotional Needs with Dr. David Marcus
May 13, 2025
Paul Banas
144. Exploring Mindful Fatherhood with Odeani Mc Bean
May 6, 2025
Paul Banas
143. Overcoming Dad Burnout with Scott Anderson
April 29, 2025
Paul Banas
142. Building Resilient Kids with Dr. Richard Oelberger
April 24, 2025
Paul Banas
141. Exploring Men’s Sexual Health with Dr. Elliot Justin
April 22, 2025
Paul Banas
140. Instilling Values and Financial Literacy with Barclay Roper
April 15, 2025
Paul Banas
Search Results placeholder

More to See

Balancing Business and Family with Dr. Travis Parry

May 20, 2025 By Paul Banas

Understanding Children’s Emotional Needs with Dr. David Marcus

May 21, 2025 By Paul Banas

Copyright © 2025 . GreatDad