An impact and feasibility evaluation of a six-week (nine hour) active play intervention on fathers’ engagement with their preschool children: a feasibility study

Research has demonstrated the benefits of father involvement with their children and a link between uninvolved fatherhood and societal problems. Children’s Centres (n = 15) received 6 × 90-minute active play sessions designed to foster 6 aspects of parental engagement. Fathers’ engagement and attitudes to child physical activity were measured pre- and post intervention via questionnaire. Acceptability of the intervention was explored through participant and staff focus groups. Results showed no effect on overall time fathers spent with their child during the week (t (36) = 0.178, p = 0.860) and the weekend (t (36) = 1.166, p = 0.252). Qualitative results demonstrated the sessions provided opportunities for fathers to spend quality time with their children. Parenting self-efficacy increased across the subscale control, t (36) = −2.97, p = 0.04. Fathers increased awareness of their role in motivating their child to play (z = −2.46, p = 0.01). Further longitudinal research is recommended.