“It is never too late to be an involved father,” states Kristi Cooper, an Iowa State University Extension family life field specialist. Although it is best for children when Dads are involved from day one, there are still many ways to become involved at all ages and stages of development.

Dads can bond with their preschool-aged children by being patient while teaching them new skills, such as tying shoes and pouring milk.

School age children respond best when Dad tries to learn as much as he can about his child’s special interests, such as baseball, dolphins, or their friends.

While the teen years are more difficult to re-enter for Dads, the best strategy is to relate to them on an adult level and to do non-threatening activities together, such as going to the races or shooting hoops.

One of the most important things a Dad trying to re-connect to his children must remember is to improve his relationship with Mom or the child’s primary caregiver. “Dad may have to ‘prove’ that he is dependable, positive and has the child’s best interests in mind,” says Cooper.

Now is the perfect time for Dads to spend time with their kids, as new school schedules change visitation arrangements and kids get a last “summer holiday” over Labor Day weekend.

For more ideas on strengthening relationships between kids and dads, check out the Me & My Dad Web site at www.extension.iastate.edu/dads.

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