Fathers’ Play Involvement and their Views toward Play: Evidence from Toddlers

Author : Irem Gurgah Ogul

Abstract :This study examines fathers’ participation in their children's play and their perspectives on play, focusing on fathers with children aged 1 to 3 years. The research involved a survey of 94 fathers. Data were collected using the Fathers’ Views on Play Scale, then analyzed through parametric tests. The findings indicate that fathers generally participate at a moderate level in their children's play and have positive views about it. However, participation and perspectives did not vary based on the child’s gender or the father's communication with his own father. Differences emerged concerning the number of children in the family, the father’s educational level, and whether they had received parenting-related training. Fathers with only one child, those with higher educational qualifications, and those who had received training in fatherhood were more actively involved in their children’s play and expressed more positive views about play compared to their peers.

Keywords :Father participation, play, interaction, toddlers.

Conference Name :International Conference on Early Childhood Education and Care (ICECEC-25)

Conference Place Jakarta Raya,Indonesia

Conference Date 29th Nov 2025