The key facts
- Darya Dugentsova advises fathers to spend about 45 minutes a day with their child; regularity matters, not duration
- The format of communication depends on age: for toddlers — jointly exploring objects, for preschoolers — games, for schoolchildren — crafts and reading, for teenagers — walks and conversations
- Constant answers like ',
45 minutes a day: regularity matters
Child psychologist Darya Dugentsova, in an interview with Life.ru, advised busy fathers to spend at least 45 minutes a day with their child. According to her, it is not necessary to set aside nearly an hour at a stretch: for example, 20 minutes can be spent together in the morning, and another 25 in the evening. Far more important than the duration of individual meetings is their regularity — the child should know that dad will always find time for him. Such predictability, the specialist believes, fosters a sense of security and trust.
The format of communication depends on age
The psychologist noted that the format of shared activities should change as the child grows. With toddlers under three, she recommends exploring surrounding objects together, touching and moving them around. For preschoolers, board games, active games and role-playing games are suitable, in which the father participates on equal footing with the child. With younger schoolchildren, one can assemble construction sets, make crafts, read books and discuss interesting topics. In Dugentsova's view, it is important not merely to be nearby but to take a genuine interest in what is happening: ask questions, listen to the answers and share one's own opinion.
Teenagers need independence
Teenagers, on the contrary, need more independence and respect for their position. The psychologist recommends shared walks, bicycle rides, sports and ordinary conversations — during such activities, she believes, it is easier for a child to share their worries. A child remembers not so much the words as the feeling that ',
Be careful with excuses
Dugentsova warned that even daily shared activities will not replace a father's willingness to respond to a child's requests. Constant answers like ',
Additional context
Life.ru also recalls a previously described study involving 292 families, in which researchers found a link between fathers' involvement in parenting and certain health indicators in school-age children; however, the results do not prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship. For Father's Day, lawyer Lyudmila Ayvar reminded readers of the labour guarantees and benefits available to Russian fathers: men can take parental leave, receive statutory benefits and use tax deductions.
