Tim Ryan: What is Daddy Teaching the Kids?

Foundation for Early Learning is delighted to feature a guest blog post from Tim Ryan, a father and early learning professional.

What do we know about a man’s role in a child’s life? Foundation for Early Learning is focusing on the parent’s role as a child’s first teacher and I’d like to expand on what a father offers in terms of learning for their child and other children as well.

To clarify, when I say father, I am also referring to other men: grandpas, uncles, step dads, friends, coaches, mentors, big brothers…

My wonderful family is my wife (the backbone) and my two sons, 5 and 3. I play a crucial role in their skill building and learning. I firmly believe that every experience can be an opportunity to learn something new. I have the privilege of working from home as well as teaching a Dad and Me Class at Bellevue College and new dad class at Overlake and Swedish Hospitals called Conscious Fathering.

This gives me the opportunity to take my boys on “adventures.” It may be an errand to Home Depot, BMC Lumber, Costco; just about anywhere I go, they are along for the ride.

We make it a point to interact with the people at these places; to greet them, ask questions, observe their work, as well as having them listen to my sons tell them their latest idea. Of course we hit a park along the way to release energy and use our large muscles. One example is when I was building a garden box at home and we needed lumber and materials. Our trip to BMC Lumber in Issaquah allowed my boys to see big tools, forklifts and the loading of materials.

My son Quinn (5) said when the man was using the BIG table saw to leave the car door open so he could watch. So many chances to learn, and we men find creative ways to make it happen (sometimes at the concern of mom).

Another example of my role as first educator is to help build vocabulary. Dads are good at explaining things and helping kids learn further about whatever questions they ask. We don’t give them the simple answer, but try to explain in a way that they will expand their knowledge and satisfy their curiosity.

I also have become adept at answering the WHY question. I found out that after a couple of why’s I could say, “Well, what do you think?” to challenge them to think. I rarely use the “because I said so” answer or the “I’m the dad I know this stuff.” Consciously looking for learning opportunities is my job as a dad, and I take it seriously.

What kind of opportunities are you providing for your kids to learn?

We greatly care about our children and want them to explore their world. Are we giving them every chance to do this? I am my boys’ first teacher and I want the best for them. I help them learn values, skills and perspectives that will enhance their success in life. Let’s teach our children guys; it’s our responsibility.

Good luck on your journey!