Different styles of play benefit children's growth

Mum’s play is gentle and face-to-face, dad’s play is physical and robust, but both serve crucial educational purposes, and create an emotionally balanced child.

MUMS and dads play differently with their children. If the two-year-old is being swung through the air to land on a pair of shoulders, it’s Dad who’s playing with him. If it’s peek-a-boo and nursery rhymes, Mum’s the playmate.

While there is an overlap, mothers tend to be quieter and reassuring; they’re more likely to sing, chat and tell stories, says Early Childhood Ireland CEO, Irene Gunning.