Help dads embrace pretend play, but always be prepared to offer a stuffed dog as an alternative to baby doll pretend play. Some daddies can be sensitive and old-fashioned.

This is part of an ongoing series The Rules of Early Intervention which you can read from the beginning here.

Puppy Pretend Play: Supporting Play for Dads

We all know the power of pretend play. It fuels a child’s imagination, social skills, and emotional development. But sometimes, navigating pretend play with dads, especially in our Southern regions, can present a unique challenge – traditional gender roles.

Many dads may not feel comfortable with their sons playing with dolls. It’s important to remember that these beliefs often stem from their own upbringing and cultural norms. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) emphasizes the importance of culturally responsive practices.

NAEYC Ideals

“I-2.2—To develop relationships of mutual trust and create partnerships with the families we serve.
I-2.5–To respect the dignity and preferences of each family and to make an effort to learn about its structure, culture, language, customs, and beliefs. . . .
I-2.6—To acknowledge families’ childrearing values and their right to make decisions for their children.”

Taken from “Focus on Ethics: “Don’t Let My Son Dress Up as a Girl,” by Stephanie Feeney and Nancy K. Freeman published in Young Children Sept 2017 at www.naeyc.org/

Our role isn’t to judge or attempt to change these beliefs but rather to find creative ways to ensure all children, regardless of background, can reap the benefits of pretend play.

Here are some tips to navigate pretend play with dads who might be hesitant about dolls:

• Embrace the “puppy play!” Suggest alternative pretend play with dogs. Dads often feel more comfortable engaging in pretend play scenarios involving dogs, especially if the family has one.
  • Family pets need care, feeding, grooming and visits to the vet.
  • Puppies can get into mischief, and you can find yourself in a pretend play scenario similar to the book, No David by David Shannon.
• Focus on the Action! Shift the focus from the “doll” itself to the pretend play scenario. Is it a doctor’s visit? A trip to the grocery store? Let the dad take the lead in creating the pretend play world, using the stuffed animal as the patient, shopper, or fearless explorer.
  • What if you created a play scene in which the dog goes duck hunting? Any anti-doll dad would love it.
• Try Storytelling! Dads are often natural storytellers. Encourage them to create imaginative narratives incorporating the child’s preferred “puppy tale” characters. This fosters a strong bond between dad and child while still promoting those crucial pretend-play skills.
  • Encourage dads to tell you and the child a new puppy adventure story each week by asking a prompt, “How did the puppy behave this week? Did he get into any mischief?”

Remember, the goal is to create a fun and engaging pretend play experience for all involved. By offering alternative playthings and focusing on the joy of imaginative storytelling, we can ensure all dads feel welcome to participate in their child’s play!