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Parent–child interactions are critical for a child’s overall wellbeing and growth, however there are differences in the types of interactions that mothers and fathers engage in. For example, fathers often utilize physical play, such as Rough-and-Tumble Play (RTP), to interact and bond with their child. Father-child RTP appears to contribute to a range of child outcomes, including social, emotional cognitive and behaviour development. Given the now robust evidence for these benefits of father–child play and RTP specifically, there is a need for a more complete understanding of the factors that contribute to the quality of fathers’ RTP. This study examined the association between quality of father–toddler RTP and a range of paternal characteristics, parenting factors, child demographics and child developmental domains. The study included 64 sets of parents (mothers and fathers) and their toddler (age 18–24 months). Parent-reported questionnaires (demographic information, frequency of father–toddler RTP, father parenting stress, and child social-emotional development) were collected, observations of child developmental attainment (Bayley-III) completed and father–toddler RTP play interactions were rated for quality. We found that RTP for fathers who engaged in more father–toddler RTP, whose children were older and more socially-emotionally mature, was rated as higher quality in their RTP. By demonstrating links of RTP quality with both parenting behaviour and child development, this study contributes to a more complete understanding of the nature and context of father–child interactions. Father–child physical play, including RTP, may present an opportunity for professionals to bring fathers into their work with families.

Although both fathers and mothers speak differently in infant-directed speech (IDS) compared to adult-directed speech (ADS), the acoustic characteristics of present-day paternal IDS are still insuf...

Background Approximately 1 in 10 fathers of infants experience symptoms of common mental health disorders, prompting calls for paternal postpartum screening. However, numerous obstacles exist to screening implementation. The aim of this study was to provide preliminary evidence for an alternative approach that starts with asking fathers about their sleep. Methods Using self-reported father data at 0 to 36 months postpartum (N=1204) from four Australian cohort studies, we assessed associations between responses to various single-item questions about sleep (good to poor), and scores on validated measures of mental health (depression, anxiety and stress). We conducted regressions, unadjusted and adjusted for father age, child age, household income, education, first or later child, and marital status, to test associations between sleep and each indicator of mental health. We then meta-analyzed effects and assessed interactions between sleep and each of the covariates. Results Consistent associations between fathers’ subjective poor sleep and depression, anxiety and stress were replicated across the four cohorts despite heterogeneity in the sleep questions. At the meta-analytic level, effects ranged from weak to moderate (0.25 to 0.37) and were robust to all adjustments. Interactions were only detected between family income and poor sleep, such that the association was stronger for high income fathers. Limitations This study does not address the sensitivity or specificity of single-item sleep questions for assessing paternal mental health risk. Conclusions A low-cost, non-stigmatizing single question to postpartum fathers about their sleep may present a gateway opportunity to enquiring about mental health.

Objective: During the perinatal period, partners of mothers with severe mental illness (SMI) play an important role in managing the new baby and supporting the mothers’ wellbeing. Providing information via mobile phone on infant care, partner support and self-care may assist partners in their support role. Method: Partners (n = 23) of mothers with SMI were enrolled in a partner-focused SMS service sending brief texts 14 times per month for a maximum of 10 months. Partners (n = 16) were interviewed on exit and their responses analysed for acceptability and perceived usefulness of the texts. Results: Partners remained with the programme and expressed high acceptability of the texts. Participants identified effects such as increased knowledge of and interaction with their baby; effective support for their partner; and reassurance that ‘things were normal’. Few partners sought support for their own mental health. Conclusions: Texts supplied to mobile phones of partners of new mothers with SMI may increase partners’ support. The texts in this study were acceptable to partners and were reported to enhance a partner’s focus on the mother’s needs, raise the partner’s awareness of the infant’s needs, and support the partner’s confidence and competence in infant care.

usc Issue addressed: To raise expectant fathers' awareness of risk factors for stillbirth. Methods: A set of brief text messages was developed addressing recognised risk factors for stillbirth: avoidance of maternal cigarette smoking, maternal going to sleep on side messaging, awareness of the importance of noticing and reporting changes in foetal movement and fathers' involvement in shared decision making for timing of birth. Eight messages were inserted into the SMS4dads pilot program being conducted by NSW Health. Feedback on the messages was requested. Participants rated the quality of the messages on a three-point Likert scale and provided comments. Results: Overall, 2528 messages were sent to 626 fathers' mobile phones, 45% of fathers replied with 666 ratings and 115 comments evaluating the texts. The quantitative ratings indicated substantial overall approval of the messages. Within the coding category “Evaluation of Message Content,” three themes described fathers' reactions and feelings about the smoking, movement, side sleeping and birth timing messages: “important-good information,” “not appropriate/anxiety provoking” and “not relevant-obvious.” Three themes reflecting the attributes of the messages within the “Service Quality” category were “need more information,” “complements public health” and “child voice fit.” Conclusions: Results indicate that the messages are an acceptable way to provide information and suggested actions addressing stillbirth risk factors to fathers-to-be. So what?: Fathers' awareness of the risk factors for stillbirth can assist mothers to take appropriate actions for a healthy birth. Information on risk factors can be provided to fathers via a father-focused text messaging service. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

Fathers are increasingly acknowledged as active participants in rearing young children, yet few observational measures recognize gender-differentiated parenting and can be used by practitioners and researchers to assess and improve fathers’ parenting capacity in playful settings, in order to inform program effectiveness. Two potential measures are the Rough-and-Tumble Play Quality Scale (RTPQ), which is based on evolutionary and attachment theory and assesses rough-and-tumble play behaviors related to social-emotional competencies. The second is Dads’ Parenting Interaction with Children: Checklist of Observations Linked to Outcomes (PICCOLO-D), which is grounded in a systemic approach linking parenting behaviors to child outcomes. The aim of this study was to compare the two observational measures for suitability of assessment of fathers’ parenting capacity with diverse low-income families. A correlational longitudinal design was used to examine naturalistic rough-and-tumble play extant video observations of 25 fathers and their 2- to 4-year-old children independently coded with each measure, with child prekindergarten and fifth grade outcomes. Convergent validity showed strong association between the two measures. No associations were found with family characteristics. Both measures predicted child prekindergarten attention regulation and aggression (inversely). PICCOLO-D predicted prekindergarten language and cognition, and language/literacy in fifth grade. The similarities and subtle differences between the measures confirm the distinctive theoretical approaches underpinning each measure, and suggest both are suitable tools for practitioners and researchers. PICCOLO-D may be useful for multiple type of play, while the RTPQ may be more relevant to specific qualities of paternal physical play interaction.

Mental health promotion and prevention with expecting and new fathers has historically been challenging. Approximately 10% of this population report experiencing depression in the post-partum period and 18% report experiencing anxiety. This population may be further at risk if their partner has a mental illness.To assess if information provided by SMS may be a way to reach a vulnerable population of new fathers with partners who have a mental illness.Twenty-three new and expecting fathers who have partners with a mental illness were engaged in a qualitative assessment of their experience with the SMS4Dads programme.This analysis showed that at risk new fathers appreciated the information received during the programme and reported acting on this, making changes in the way they interact with their children.The combination of timely, accurate and practical information delivered in a novel way, likely contributed to the reports of improved interactions within the family unit.

Father–child play engagement has been linked to a variety of child developmental outcomes. However, the most prevalent types of play and child developmental outcomes utilised in research remains unclear. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature on father–child play interactions and the association with child developmental outcomes for children aged 0–10 years. Database searches generated 1622 abstracts that matched the specified search criteria. Abstract screening and full-text review resulted in 39 included publications. The systematic review revealed that while some paternal play behaviours resulted in different impacts across play types, others reported similar impacts. The findings of this review have implications for potential interventions and parenting resources.

The transition to fatherhood can be a catalyst for men to adopt healthier behaviours, but it may also contribute to mental disorder and social isolation. Reaching men with information and support during this period has proved difficult. However, the ubiquity of mobile phone use presents an opportunity to connect with men to deliver parenting and health-related messages and encourage help-seeking for distress. The case study of SMS4dads, tested in diverse populations, demonstrates the potency of brief text messages that address father-infant and father-partner relationships and fathers’ self-care. Programme evaluation has revealed new ways of understanding and responding to paternal vulnerability.

Parent-child play directly influences child development. One aspect of parent-child play that is gaining interest is a form of physical play, ‘rough-and-tumble play’ (RTP), or roughhousing. RTP is most often played by fathers and has been shown to have positive benefits for children. However, little is known about parents’ perceptions of this type of play, although beliefs and values about learning through play shape parents’ interactions with their children. In this study, we investigated parents’ beliefs and knowledge about father–child RTP. A qualitative design was used to create a conceptual description of parents’ views, and 52 (31% male) Australian parents participated in semi-structured interviews supported by a video stimulus of father–child RTP. Three conceptual themes characterized parents’ perspectives on RTP: Strength Challenge describes the physicality and inter-personal challenge of the game; Dynamic Bonding describes how parents view RTP as fostering close father-child relationships, confidence and a playful state of mind; the final theme, Context and Caveats, integrates the contended and contingent aspects of RTP perceived to influence the short and long-term effects of this play. The study provides insight into how parents perceive the broad function of parent-child RTP and fathers’ role within this play.

Although there is increasing evidence of paternal influence on child outcomes such as language and cognition, researchers are not yet clear on the features of father-child play that are most valuable in terms of child development. Physical play such as rough and tumble play (RTP) is a favored type of father-child play in Western societies that has been linked to children's socioemotional competence. It is important, therefore, to determine the implications of this play for child development. In this review and meta-analysis, associations between father-child physical play and child behavior were examined. The review also focused on study methods. Sixteen studies are reviewed, N = 1,521 father-child dyads, 35% boys. Study characteristics such as definitions of physical play, play settings, play measures, and coding were examined. The meta-analysis found weak to moderate population effects for links between father-child physical play and child aggression, social competence, emotional skills, and self-regulation. Research investigating the effect of father-child physical play on children's development will be improved when definitions clearly identify the nature of play, settings facilitate boisterous play, and measures include frequency and quality of play interactions. This play shows promise as an enhancer of positive father-child relationships and a catalyst for child development.

There is increasing recognition of the issues facing men in the perinatal period. Vulnerability factors and issues in the partner relationship contribute to mental health risk and can impact the quality of the father-infant relationship. Yet, there is limited understanding of fathers' help-seeking when they or their partner are experiencing mental health issues in the context of caring for a new baby. The present study examines fathers' contacts with the Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA) National Helpline. The study reviewed contacts from fathers and their identified needs for assistance, relationship issues, and support needs; 70% of male callers (N = 129) reported concerns about the mother's mental health, and 57% were concerned about relationship breakdown. Significant numbers of men raised issues about their own mental health (43%) and many were concerned about the impact of maternal mental state on the relationship with the infant. When compared to community data, there were elevated rates of concerns about depression and anxiety. Men also described difficulties with the fathering role and with regulating their own feelings of guilt and frustration. These findings highlight the needs of men for support when a mother experiences perinatal problems and also the risk for distress in fathers.Hay un incremento en el reconocimiento de los asuntos que enfrentan los hombres en el período perinatal. Los factores de vulnerabilidad y asuntos en la relación con la pareja contribuyen al riesgo de salud mental y pueden tener impacto en la calidad de la relación papá-infante. Aun así, hay una comprensión limitada acerca de la búsqueda de ayuda por parte de los papás cuando ellos o sus parejas están experimentando asuntos de salud mental en el contexto de cuidar a un nuevo bebé. El presente estudio examina el contacto de los papás con la línea de ayuda nacional Ansiedad y Depresión Perinatal Australia (PANDA). El estudio revisó contactos de papás y sus identificadas necesidades para la asistencia, asuntos de la relación y necesidades de apoyo: 70% de los varones que llamaron (N = 129) reportaron preocupaciones acerca de la salud mental de la madre y 57% estaban preocupados acerca del rompimiento de la relación. Un significativo número de hombres presentaron asuntos acerca de su propia salud mental (43%) y muchos estaban preocupados sobre el impacto del estado mental materno en la relación con el infante. Cuando se compara con la información comunitaria, hubo puntajes elevados de preocupaciones acerca de la depresión y la ansiedad. Los hombres también describieron dificultades con el papel de ser padres y con la forma de regular sus propios sentimientos de culpa y frustración. Estos resultados subrayan las necesidades de los hombres de apoyo cuando una madre experimenta un problema perinatal y también el riesgo de angustia en los papás.Les problèmes auxquels font face les hommes durant la période périnatale sont de plus en plus reconnus. Des facteurs et des problèmes de vulnérabilité dans la relation au partenaire contribuent au risque de santé mentale et peuvent avoir un impact sur la qualité de la relation père-enfant. Cependant on n'a que des connaissances limitées de l'appel à l'aide des pères lorsqu'ils font ou lorsque leur partenaire fait l'expérience de problèmes de santé mentale dans le contexte du soin à un nouveau-né. Cette étude a examiné les contacts des pères avec la ligne téléphonique nationale australienne pour l'anxiété et la dépression périnatales, abrégée PANDA selon l'anglais. Cette étude a passé en revue les contacts de pères et leurs besoins identifiés d'assistance et de soutien pour des problèmes liés à une relation: 70% des hommes ayant téléphoné (N = 129) ont fait état d'inquiétude à propos de la santé mentale de la mère et 57% étaient inquiets de la désintégration de la relation. Un nombre important d'hommes ont parlé de leur propre santé mentale (43%) et beaucoup d'entre eux étaient inquiets à propos de l'impact de l’état mental maternel sur la relation avec le nourrisson. Comparé aux données communautaires, on a trouvé des niveau élevés d'inquiétude sur la dépression et l'anxiété. Ces hommes ont aussi décrit des difficultés avec le rôle de père et avec la régulation de leurs propres sentiments de culpabilité et de frustration. Ces résultats mettent en évidence les besoins qu'ont les hommes de soutien quand une mère fait l'expérience d'un problème périnatal, et aussi le risque de détresse chez les pères.Sorgen männlicher Anrufer bei einer nationalen Beratungsstelle für perinatale psychische Gesundheit Die Probleme, mit denen Männer in der perinatalen Phase konfrontiert sind, erfahren zunehmend Anerkennung. Vulnerabilitätsfaktoren und Probleme in der Paarbeziehung tragen zum psychischen Gesundheitsrisiko bei und können die Qualität der Vater-Kind-Beziehung beeinträchtigen. Allerdings gibt es bis jetzt nur wenig Untersuchungen zu hilfesuchendem Verhalten von Vätern, wenn sie oder ihre Partnerin psychische Probleme im Zusammenhang mit der Betreuung eines Neugeborenen haben. Die vorliegende Studie untersuchte Kontakte von Vätern mit der nationalen Beratungsstelle für perinatale Angst und Depression in Australien (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia National Helpline; PANDA). Die Studie untersuchte Kontaktaufnahmen von Vätern hinsichtlich Beziehungsprobleme und des ermittelten Unterstützungsbedarfs: 70% der männlichen Anrufer (N = 129) gaben an, Bedenken hinsichtlich der psychischen Gesundheit der Mutter zu haben, und 57% waren über einen Zusammenbruch der Beziehung besorgt. Eine beträchtliche Anzahl von Männern äußerte Bedenken hinsichtlich ihrer eigenen psychischen Gesundheit (43%) und viele waren besorgt über die Auswirkungen des mütterlichen Geisteszustands auf die Beziehung zum Säugling. In Hinblick auf Vergleichsstichproben gab es eine erhöhte Rate an Bedenken hinsichtlich Depressionen und Angst. Männer beschrieben auch Schwierigkeiten mit der Vaterrolle und mit der Regulierung ihrer eigenen Schuld- und Frustrationsgefühle. Diese Befunde verdeutlichen den Unterstützungsbedarf von Männern, wenn eine Mutter unter perinatalen Problemen leidet, und das Leidensrisiko bei Vätern.全豪周産期メンタルヘルスの悩み電話相談に発信した男性の心配事 周産期に関わる男性が直面する問題点についての認識が広がっている。パートナーとの関係性における脆弱な要因や問題点はメンタルヘルスの危機の原因となり、また父親と乳児の関係性に質的な影響を及ぼし得る。しかしながら、父親やパートナーが生まれたての乳児のケアをする状況でメンタルヘルスの問題を経験している際、父親が援助を要請することへの理解は乏しい。本研究では、全豪悩み電話相談に発信した父親に対し Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA) についての聞き取り調査を行った。研究は、父親からの聞き取りと確認された支援の必要性、関係性の問題点、そして協力の必要性について検討した。電話をかけた男性 (N = 129) の 70% は母親のメンタルヘルスについての心配事、また 57% は関係性が崩壊することについて心配していた。かなりの数の男性 (43%) は、自身のメンタルヘルスについての問題点を挙げ、また多くの男性は母の精神状態が乳児との関係性に与える影響について心配していた。一般人口に比べ、抑うつや不安に関する懸念は高率に認められた。男性はまた、父親役割の困難さや罪悪感や挫折感の調整の困難さについても語っていた。この知見は、母親が周産期の悩みを経験する際に男性が協力を必要とすること、そして父親のストレスがリスクになることについても強調している。.男性求助者對全國圍產期心理健康熱線的關注。 我們越來越認識到圍產期父親面臨的問題。伴侶關係中的脆弱性因素和問題, 會增加心理健康風險, 並可能影響父母關係的質量。但是, 對於父親或他們的伴侶, 在照顧新生嬰兒時, 遇到心理健康問題尋求幫助的了解有限。本研究調查父親與澳大利亞圍產期焦慮和抑鬱症 (PANDA) 國家服務專線的聯繫。這項研究審查父親的聯繫方式, 以及他們的援助需求丶關係問題和支持需求: 70％ 的男性來電者 (N = 129) 表示擔心母親的心理健康, 而 57％ 的人擔心關係破裂。大量男性提出有關自身心理健康的問題 (43％), 許多人擔心母體心理狀態與嬰兒關係的影響。與社區數據比較, 父親對抑鬱和焦慮的擔憂率較高。男性求助者還描述在擔任父親的角色以及調節自己的內咎和挫敗感方面的困難。這些發現凸顯了當母親遇到圍產期問題時, 男性需要支持的需求, 以及父親的困苦風險。.مخاوف المتصلين الذكور في مكالماتهم مع الخط الساخن القومي لدعم الصحة النفسية ما قبل الولادة. هناك اعتراف متزايد بالقضايا التي يواجهها الرجال في فتره ما قبل الولادة. وتسهم عوامل الضعف والمسائل المتعلقة بعلاقة الشريك في مخاطر الصحة النفسية ويمكن ان تؤثر علي نوعيه العلاقة بين الأب والرضيع. ومع ذلك ، فان هناك فهم محدود لمسألة طلب الآباء للمساعدة عندما يواجهون مشاكل في الصحة النفسية لهم أو للشريك في سياق رعاية طفل جديد. وتبحث هذه الدراسة اتصالات الاباء مع خط المساعدة القومي الخاص بالقلق والاكتئاب في أستراليا (PANDA). واستعرضت الدراسة اتصالات الاباء واحتياجاتهم المحددة للمساعدة وقضايا العلاقات واحتياجات الدعم: 70 في المائة من المتصلين الذكور (العدد = 129) ابلغوا عن مخاوف بشان صحة الام النفسية و 57 في المائة قلقون بشان انهيار العلاقات. وأثارت اعداد كبيره من الرجال قضايا تتعلق بصحتهم النفسية (43 في المائة) وكان الكثيرون يشعرون بالقلق إزاء تاثير الحالة النفسية الاموميه علي العلاقة مع الرضيع. بالمقارنة مع بيانات المجتمع ، كانت هناك معدلات مرتفعه من المخاوف بشان الاكتئاب والقلق. ووصف الرجال أيضا الصعوبات التي تكتنف الدور الأبوي وتنظيم شعورهم بالذنب والإحباط. وتسلط هذه النتائج الضوء علي احتياجات الرجال للحصول علي الدعم عندما تتعرض الام لمشكله ما قبل الولادة وكذلك لخطر الشعور بالكآبة عند الاباء.

Background There is growing evidence for the value of technology-based programs to support fathers to make positive transitions across the perinatal period. However, past research has focused on program outcomes with little attention to the mechanisms of impact. Knowledge of why a program works increases potential for replication across contexts. Methods Participants were 40 Australian fathers enrolled in the SMS4dads text-based perinatal support program (Mean age 35.11 (5.87). From a starting point between 16 weeks gestation and 12 weeks postpartum, they were sent a maximum of 184 text messages. An inductive approach was used to analyse post-program semi-structured interviews. The aim was to identify mechanisms of impact aligned to previously identified program outcomes, which were that SMS4dads: 1) is helpful/useful; 2) lessens a sense of isolation; 3) promotes the father-infant relationship; and 4) supports the father-partner relationship. Results We identified two types of mechanisms: four were structural within the program messages and five were psychological within the participant. The structural mechanisms included: syncing information to needs; normalisation; prompts to interact; and, the provision of a safety net. The psychological mechanisms were: increase in knowledge; feelings of confidence; ability to cope; role orientation; and, the feeling of being connected. These mechanisms interacted with each other to produce the pre-identified program outcomes. Conclusions If the current findings are generalisable then, future mobile health program design and evaluation would benefit from explicit consideration to how both program components and individual cognitive and behavioural processes combine to elicit targeted outcomes.

How fathers cope with stress may be critical to their mental health during the perinatal period. Using a sequential explanatory design for systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to identify associations and causal relations between higher- and lower-order avoidant and approach coping strategies and paternal psychopathology. We searched five electronic databases and grey literature, and used random-effects models to calculate pooled effects from 11 quantitative studies. Meta-analytic results were integrated with findings from 18 qualitative studies. Fathers' avoidant coping was positively associated with global psychopathology and depression. Approach-oriented coping, particularly problem-solving, was associated with positive affect but not psychopathology. Qualitative findings indicate distressed fathers employ avoidant coping strategies such as suppression, distraction, and social withdrawal. Approach-oriented coping strategies such as problem-solving and cognitive reappraisals appeared to be constructive components of men's coping repertoires supporting adaptation to fatherhood. Different coping strategies and approaches may reflect enactment of constrictive, moderate, or reinterpreted masculine norms. Study designs did not allow conclusions about causal relations between coping and psychopathology. Screening for, and targeting of, high avoidant coping among expectant and new fathers may help detect men at risk of or experiencing mental health difficulties and inform clinical response to psychopathology. Research examining whether different patterns of avoidant and approach coping are associated with psychopathology over time could inform interventions to support men's mental health and adaptation to fatherhood.

Reviews of attachment research point to fathers' capacity to provide for a secure child-parent attachment relationship; a suggested mechanism for the development of this relationship may be sensitive and challenging play interactions. This review synthesises research on fathers' challenging and stimulating play by mapping the variation in construct definitions and reporting on the association of fathers' stimulating play with child outcomes. Using search terms such as "father", "stimulating"and "challenging", 26 studies were identified, including 16 longitudinal studies, which assessed the association between father-child stimulating or challenging play, and child outcomes. Five categories of stimulating play were derived from the analysis,ranging on a continuum of activation and complexity. Most studies reported positive associations with children's cognitive, psycho social and physical development. The discussion highlights the variation in the operationalisation of challenging and stimulating play, and suggestions for future research on the function of fathers' play interactions are made.

Unintentional injury is an important cause of infant and child hospitalisation and parents play a key role in reducing children's risk-taking behaviour. Studies show that maternal and paternal parenting and supervision of children differ, but there is little research showing how fathers’ parenting may influence children's tendency to engage in risk-taking behaviour. Recent theoretical developments suggest that father's parenting may be particularly effective in encouraging safe risk taking. In this study, we examine how well parenting practices typically undertaken by fathers predict rates of children's injury risk at three years. Questionnaire data were collected from 46 fathers. Results show that both duration of rough-and-tumble play and fathers’ encouragement of perseverance predicted lower rates of injury behaviours, while their stimulation of risk taking predicted higher rates of injury behaviours. The results are discussed in the light of developmentally appropriate risk taking and fathering.

Although there is increasing evidence of paternal influence on child outcomes such as language and cognition, researchers are not yet clear on the features of father-child play that are most valuable in terms of child development. Physical play such as rough and tumble play (RTP) is a favored type of father-child play in Western societies that has been linked to children's socioemotional competence. It is important, therefore, to determine the implications of this play for child development. In this review and meta-analysis, associations between father-child physical play and child behavior were examined. The review also focused on study methods. Sixteen studies are reviewed, N = 1,521 father-child dyads, 35% boys. Study characteristics such as definitions of physical play, play settings, play measures, and coding were examined. The meta-analysis found weak to moderate population effects for links between father-child physical play and child aggression, social competence, emotional skills, and self-regulation. Research investigating the effect of father-child physical play on children's development will be improved when definitions clearly identify the nature of play, settings facilitate boisterous play, and measures include frequency and quality of play interactions. This play shows promise as an enhancer of positive father-child relationships and a catalyst for child development.

The present-day involvement of men in many facets of childrearing stands in contrast to previous eras when men accepted that the major task of fathering was to provide a secure income to support the family. This imperative often required long hours away from the family. However, when men whose contact with children has been limited due to work and cultural constraints retire, their newly acquired lifestyle may bring fresh opportunities for involvement with grandchildren. An important question therefore concerns the impact of caring for young children on men's perceptions of their role as grandfathers. This interview study explores the experiences of 19 Australian grandfathers. The analysis found themes that relate to relationships and change, as well as themes concerning core beliefs and existential questions. The findings demonstrate the potential for insight into family relationships and personal growth in older age when studying the topic of grandparenting and caring from the male perspective.

For many people, the appeal of music lies in its connection to human emotions. A significant body of research has explored the emotions that are experienced through either the formal structure of music or through its symbolic messages. Yet in the instrumental music education field, this emotional connection is rarely examined. In this article, it is argued that identifying more about “liking music,” especially in young learners, has a role to play in explaining the music-learning experience and how participation in learning can be sustained. Based on findings from the qualitative elements of a larger study that explored student engagement with learning, this article proposes the concept of “affinity” as the affective and subjective connection to music that motivates individuals’ continuing involvement with music.

Energetic, competitive, body-contact play (rough and tumble play (RTP)) is commonly observed among young children and is reported as an important feature of father–child relationships. Animal studies have demonstrated positive developmental effects of peer–peer play-wrestling, influencing cognitive and social outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the nature of RTP between father and child and its relationship to child development and to describe a theoretically informed measure of the quality of father–child RTP.

For most Australian parents, there is continuing tension between work and family commitments. This tension is exacerbated by the need not only to have sufficient time available to children in the family but also for that time to be characterized by nurturance and guidance. This article reports on a qualitative study that explored how 21 part-time or full-time working parents, who also commute 10–15 hours a week to work, manage both the quantity and quality of their time with their young children (0–5 years). The study revealed the difficult conditions of commuting and the importance of social support to parents' well-being, as well as a significant pattern of parent–child interaction which we have described as ‘attentive parenting.’ Parents felt these activities contributed to the parent–child bond and their children's well-being in spite of an acknowledged lack of interactive time.

Research into musical practice has over recent decades focused on the technical and organisational strategies employed by novices and experts. What has been less studied are the background factors or influences on the quality of this music practice. Drawing on interview data collected from 66 children and adults from a mixed methods project, we investigate dispositional factors involved in learning and their association with practice strategies and musical and technical outcomes. A qualitative cluster analysis of beliefs about music and learning, expressions of volition and practice strategies produced three distinctive patterns of learning that influenced technical, musical and affective outcomes for the participants. Implications for teaching and learning are discussed.

In the transition to fatherhood, men face numerous challenges. Opportunities to learn new practices and gain support are limited, although the provisions of father-specific spaces such as fathers’ antenatal classes or “responsible fathering” programs are important advances. This article explores how men use the social space of a father-specific Internet chat room to learn about fathering. Messages to an Australian-hosted, father-specific chat room (for fathers of infants or young children) were examined, and three overlapping themes illustrated men’s perceptions of their transition to fatherhood. The themes concerned recognition of and response to a lack of social space, services, and support for new fathers. The implications for fathers’ perinatal education are discussed.

The 2006 Australian family law reforms preserve the 'best interests of the child' as the guiding principle for making decisions about post-separation parenting but also require, with some exceptions, that parents attempt to resolve disputes in the first instance via mediation or 'family dispute resolution' processes. In placing greater emphasis on the child's right to a 'meaningful' relationship with both parents after separation, the legislation also in effect seeks to elevate the role of fathers in the lives of their children and move beyond the more stereotyped view of these fathers as financial providers and 'visitors' to their children. An important element in the successful mediation of postseparation parenting disputes is the engagement of fathers. But how is this done and what does 'engaging fathers' mean? This study sought to identify steps taken by family relationship practitioners to engage fathers in the dispute resolution process. The analysis revealed that in engaging with fathers in mediation, practitioners drew on four types of competencies to facilitate two basic steps, one of showing respect, the other of reframing the issue of sharing the parenting.

The aim of this study was to explore how men manage their mental and physical wellbeing during the difficulty and stress of family dissolution. Interviews with twenty-six fathers were undertaken to discuss the ways in which fathers responded to the crisis, what help they sought if any, and the ways in which they coped with distress ensuing from the family breakdown. Participants were recruited through the new Australian Family Relationship Centres. Although men are generally considered high-risk at the time of family breakdown, the study found that the fathers exercised resourcefulness and flexibility in management of their wellbeing. This was demonstrated by the ways in which they handled their emotions and aspects of the problem, and by the seeking of both informational and emotional help through family members and friends. Significantly, it was assistance from family and experienced others, not from professional sources, that was key to fathers being able to balance the stress of the ongoing conflict with their well-being. Government and non-government services were perceived by many fathers as difficult to access. Taking a non-deficit perspective on men's help-seeking behaviour has revealed the extent to which men can monitor and manage their personal resources to deal with adversity. The findings also suggest that there are specific barriers to fathers' access to services. Additionally, the study highlights the effectiveness of strong family connections and mentors as resources for mental health prevention and intervention. Implications for family services are discussed.

Men are becoming increasingly aware of and keen about the promises of involved fathering, and there is growing recognition of the need to support fathers, especially in the postnatal period. However, there is limited evidence of how best to offer this support. In this article, we investigate a new avenue of support that is gaining popularity in the public health sector: the Internet. Using qualitative methods, we examine messages in an asynchronous online chat room for new fathers to reveal how fathers themselves requested, offered, and received social support. Features of their communication style included humor and self-disclosure. An emergent, overarching purpose of their communications was to make fathering more “visible,” and to encourage each other to engage confidently and wholeheartedly in fathering.