'Playing Dad' redefines fatherhood through play

MANY fathers believe their parenting role is limited to financial provision and instilling discipline in children. Some see playing with children as women's work. Others are intimidated by the idea.

- STAFF REPORTER

However, in a new film titled Playing Dad, social behaviour change NPO Heartlines explores how active play is critical to learning for young children, and how fathers can contribute to children's development by choosing to spend time playing with them.

The film - the seventh in the Fathers Matter anthology - will launch on the Fathers Matter website and on the HeartlinesZA YouTube channel on Friday, ahead of Father’s Day on Sunday.

“Can I be playful with my child and still keep his respect?” This is one of the questions that Vincent Mahlape explores in his role as Mpendulo in the film.

It's a question that many fathers may grapple with as they've been socialised to believe that a father’s primary role is to put food on the table and to command respect as a disciplinarian. Through the eyes of Mpendulo, a strict and traditional father and carpenter by trade, the idea is seeded that there is room for fathers to enjoy active play with their children too.

As Mpendulo learns to take care of his son, Ndumiso, played by six-year-old Siyamthanda Nxumalo, when his wife leaves suddenly to attend a family emergency, he begins to be challenged about what it means to really connect with his son.