This June, Celebrating Fathers, encourages dads to embrace play as an integral part of the bonding process in their parenting journey.
Research shows that playful interactions with fathers can enhance a child’s self regulation, social competence, and ability to explore and take risks within a safe environment. These playful engagements often involve unpredictability and excitement, which can boost a child’s resilience and adaptability.
Celebrating Fathers 2024, themed “My Dad, My Playmate,” is a beautiful reminder of the special bond between fathers and their children, highlighting the joy and fun that come from spending time together through play. Fathers play a vital role in their children’s lives not just as providers, but also as playmates and companions.
The ninth edition of this initiative, with Guest of Honour Mr. Chee Hong Tat, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance, celebrates the spirit of adventure and exploration that fathers bring into their children’s lives, creating cherished moments that will be treasured for a lifetime. He said,
“Today, many fathers are involved in family life and sharing the responsibility of bringing up their children and spending quality
time with them. This is a heartening trend that we should encourage.”
Celebrating Fathers 2024 is jointly organised by Centre for Fathering, DADs for Life, MUMs for Life, and Mediacorp, in partnership with Families for Life, and in support of the National Family Festival and Made For Families. First launched in 2016, the annual
Celebrating Fathers campaign is a nationwide initiative to affirm and appreciate fathers.
Dad’s Day Out, the pinnacle event of Celebrating Fathers on 16 June 2024, saw about 7,000 fathers and family members having fun with activities ranging from human foosball to obstacle challenge to bouncy castles and ball pit. As a special highlight, the Dads Babywearing Walk set a record for the “Most Number of Dads in a Babywearing Walk” in the Singapore Book of Records with 38 fathers. This event aims to bring fathers together to share in the joy of carrying their children close to their hearts.
