4 Things You Didn’t Know About Dads and Language
Whereas moms get mimosa brunches, carnations and spa day, Father’s Day doesn’t get as much fanfare. The paternal role in language development is also downplayed. Not just silent breadwinners and home repair guy, Dad deserves lots of credit:
Fathers Influence Child Language Development More Than Mothers
That’s not a typo, that’s an article headline. Researchers videotaped 2-year olds during playtime in dual-income families. Result: A year later, kids whose dads had more diverse vocabularies had greater language development (Mom’s vocab made little difference).
Dads prefer “practical play”
Men are doers, not talkers. Research shows that fathers opt for practical, educational play that shows versus tells (such as using toys unconventionally or coloring outside the lines). Baby signing is also a pragmatic form of play for some dads.
Post-partum depression isn’t just for Moms
A major journal published a study with a surprise finding: Both parents’ depression reduced reading activities, but it was only the fathers’ depression that significantly affected a 2-year-old’s vocabulary. Maybe because sad dads don’t talk, play or sign very much?
“Mr. Dad” vouches for baby signing
Did you know we have our very own “Mr. Dad?” Armin Brott is a proponent of baby signing, linking it to everything from motor skills to an increase in IQ. He recommends “Sign with Your Baby,” which is incidentally written by a father.
Did you win a spelling bee? Does your tyke babble like a brook? Then it’s time to thank a Dad on his special day!
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