Studies Reveal Fathers’ Impact on Kids’ Language, Reading, and Learning

You’ve probably seen your child’s eyes light up when their father picks up a book to read to them. When fathers read, talk, and play with their young children, they do more than just spend time with them, they boost early brain and language growth, which helps in forming reading skills. Multiple studies show that fathers’ reading to, speaking, and playing with young children has been linked to stronger vocabulary, better and earlier reading and literacy skills, and even positive school outcomes later on. 

The good news is that these wins don’t require perfect reading skills or hours of reading from fathers; they come from consistent, talk-rich moments that dads can fit into real family life. Let's see what research has to say… 

Do Fathers Reading to Children Improve Vocabulary and Reading? 

A large study found that fathers who had book-reading sessions with their children at 24 and 36 months significantly improved children’s language and cognitive skills at 36 months and improved book knowledge at pre-K, even after factoring in the mothers' reading and other background factors ^[5]. It showed that mothers, on average, read to the children more often, but when fathers read, the benefits were clear and measurable. This means that with dads reading, there was a unique difference.  

This is because fathers sometimes use complementary and more complex language, like asking them what happened in the story during reading sessions, and this stretches children’s language beyond the story. This helped these children read better than most of their peers. While mothers, on the other hand, read in simplified terms to help them understand, with no need for them to think harder.

Another study found that fathers’ vocabulary and education when babies were 6 months old shaped and improved children’s expressive language at 36 months. This shows that what dads say very early can improve their reading skills when they're older ^[2]. Infants’ brains are designed to pick up sound patterns and word forms long before they speak, and exposure to a varied vocabulary early on builds the wiring that later supports expressive language and good reading skills later in life. And fathers sometimes introduce different words that expand children’s thinking. Children learn this way and find it easy to express themselves through words and read better. 

How Consistent Parent Talk Builds Strong Language Skills

Studies on parent and child interaction found that the quantity and complexity of child-directed speech, which is how much parents talk to the child, the diversity of vocabulary, and fewer directives, predict that those children’s vocabulary will grow one year later ^[3]. So this shouldn't be only about dads, moms can do this too. Parents can ask children questions that help them think instead of just giving direct answers, and use new words regularly. 

Parental knowledge of child development affects child-directed speech, as parents who understand child learning tend to talk more effectively to their toddlers. Parents who know what kinds of talk support language, such as questions, expansions, and diverse vocabulary, tend to use them. These practices, regardless of financial income, drive vocabulary growth. 

So, parents should aim for consistency, not perfection. Even 5 to 10 minutes of daily dad-led reading helps, so maybe a bedtime story could be perfect. Also, the use of dialogic reading would be perfect, so ask open questions like “What do you think happens next?”, and instead of asking “Is the cat sleeping?”, try something like, “Why do you think the cat looks sleepy?” 

How Does Father's Play Improve Cognition and Language In Children? 

The way fathers tend to play with children can have an effect on language and cognitive performance. Observational studies on 24- and 36-month-old children found that fathers with supportive parenting behaviors like showing sensitivity, positivity, and using cognitive-stimulating words during play had a great effect on the children’s language and cognitive scores ^[4]. In other words, positive parent-child interactions significantly influence language development, and fathers have both direct and indirect influences on child outcomes.

This is because Fathers often engage in more physical and exploratory play, and these kinds of activities open chances for complex sentences, problem-solving talk, and new vocabulary. This way, children can learn more complex words and sentences. This doesn’t apply only to dads, as supportive play by either parent boosts children’s learning according to the study, but having both parents involved in different ways amplifies language development.

As a parent, you can make play purposeful by asking your child to explain what they’re doing and sprinkling in new words along the way. For example, if they’re building with Legos, try saying, “You’re such an architect! Can you balance this piece without it toppling?” This simple habit helps your child learn new vocabulary and strengthens the skills they’ll need for reading later.

Do Fathers’ Involvement Have an Effect on A child's School Performance? 

A report found that children whose fathers were involved in school activities like parent–teacher contact, school events, and homework help tended to have better academic outcomes, such as higher grades, fewer suspensions, and lower repetition ^[1]. Although fathers were less often highly involved than mothers from this study, when both parents were engaged, the outcomes of school performance were better. 

This was because the fathers’ participation in school showed the children that learning is valued at home and school, and this reinforced practising their reading skills at home. The study found that Fathers who engaged with teachers learn how to better support their child's literacy at home. 

Dads should ensure that they show up when they can. Attend one parent–teacher meeting each year, take them for a library reading tour, or email your child’s teacher to ask how you can support at home. Even one touchpoint builds better reading skills. 

A Word from Mindsmaking

When fathers take the time to read, talk, and play with their children, they do more than share precious moments; they help build vocabulary, literacy skills, and school readiness. The evidence is clear across multiple studies.

If you’re a dad, you can take a few steps this week by picking a short book to read to your child, including new words and asking them complex questions, or ask your child what part of school they’d like to read about. Over time, those small habits grow into improved and lasting language and vocabulary.