‘Dad, I’m not even doing anything!’: a qualitative inquiry into father‒child play dynamics

The aim of this research is to investigate the dynamics of play between fathers and their preschool-aged children. The study was conducted with ten fathers residing in Istanbul and their children aged 36-72 months via a basic qualitative research design. Data were collected through the "Father‒Child Play Process Observation Form," developed by researchers, along with video recordings of each father‒child dyad. In a natural home environment, fathers and children were provided with playdough as unstructured play material, and their interactions were recorded. The data were analyzed via both descriptive and content analysis techniques. The findings indicated that fathers often directed the play process themselves, used imperative language, exhibited perfectionist tendencies, and frequently intervened both verbally and physically. The study suggests that fathers tend to adopt central and authoritative roles during play, which may limit children's opportunities for active engagement and self-directed play. In addition, it was observed that many fathers exhibited encouraging language or behaviors during play. This attitude was categorized in the study as motivational support, alongside three additional categories of positive attitudes and behaviors: responsiveness to help requests, openness to the child's lead, and asking guiding questions. It was noted, however, that only a small number of participating fathers demonstrated these positive attitudes and behaviors.