We have subscribed to ‘The Fathering Project‘ weekly tips newsletter.
We will start to send out those weekly tips via Facebook and to fathers via email. They are a great way to remind ourselves to be present with our families and put our best foot forward at all times. Here we’re providing a recap of the last two month’s tips – they are too good not to share!
June & July’s Weekly Tips
Be your Child’s Safe Place
Raising emotionally healthy kids starts with being present, connected, and in tune with what they need – not just physically, but emotionally too.
Children thrive when they feel emotionally supported and understood. Research shows that strong, positive relationships with caregivers – especially dads – are key to developing secure attachment, self-esteem and emotional regulation.
When you show your child that their feelings matter, you’re helping them build a strong foundation for mental wellbeing.
Try this:
- When your child is upset, resist the urge to fix it straight away. Instead, sit with them and say:
“I can see you’re feeling sad/frustrated. I’m here with you.” - Naming their feelings and staying calm helps them learn how to process emotions in a healthy way.
Help your Child Learn that Effort = Growth
Every child will face challenges, and how they think about those challenges makes all the difference. When we teach our kids to believe they can grow and improve through effort, we’re helping them develop a growth mindset, which has lifelong benefits.
Kids with a growth mindset believe that with practice and perseverance, they can get better at anything. This helps them stay motivated, bounce back from setbacks, and see mistakes as opportunities, not failures.
Try this:
- When your child says, “I’m no good at this,” try responding with: “You’re still learning—keep going and you’ll get there.”
- Focus your praise on their effort or strategy, like “You really stuck with that puzzle even when it got tricky – great persistence!”
- It’s not about being perfect, it’s about showing up, trying again, and knowing they’re growing every step of the way. And when they see you do the same, that’s where the magic happens!
Strengthen your Parenting Partnership
Raising kids isn’t a solo sport, it takes teamwork, communication, and plenty of tag-teaming. When parenting partners support each other, kids feel more secure, the load feels lighter, and the wins feel even better.
Whether you’re co-parenting, navigating family changes, or sharing the day-to-day in a two-parent home, being a solid team helps everyone thrive.
Try this:
- Set aside 15 minutes this week to check in with your parenting partner. Ask: “What’s been working well lately?” and “Is there anything I could do to support you more?” These small chats can prevent big issues down the track.
- You’re not just raising kids, you’re building a family. Keep showing up for each other, listening, and celebrating the little things.
Help Kids Understand and Express Grief
Grief is something no family can completely avoid. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a pet, a separation, or even big changes like moving schools or losing independence – these moments impact kids, dads, and families in different ways.
Kids look to you to understand how to handle big feelings. When you show that it’s okay to feel sadness, confusion, or even anger, you’re teaching them emotional strength. And when someone close to your family is grieving, simply being there and checking in regularly can make a huge difference.
Try this:
- If someone in your life is going through loss, check in. Offer to grab a coffee or just sit with them. Don’t push conversation – just let them know you’re there. And if you’re grieving yourself, give yourself permission to feel it all. You don’t have to go through it alone.
- Real strength isn’t about “staying strong”, it’s about staying connected. Modelling this to your children is one of the most important things you can do.
Move your Body, Boost your Mood
When you’ve got kids, work, and everything in between, finding time to stay physically active can feel nearly impossible. But building small healthy habits – like a quick walk or some playful movement with your kids – can make a big difference to your wellbeing.
Physical activity doesn’t just help your body, it’s good for your mind too. Regular movement can lift your mood, improve your sleep, boost energy levels, and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. And when you get active with your kids, you’re role modelling healthy habits and building connection.
Try this:
- Choose one activity this week that gets everyone moving – like a post-dinner walk, a dance-off in the living room, or a backyard footy match.
- You’ll boost everyone’s mood and create a fun, active routine together!