Valentine’s Day and Family Day are just around the corner.  If you are looking for a fun and creative arts based activity that helps fathers connect, engage and demonstrate their love for their children, try to Trace an Embrace together.

• A long piece of craft paper

• Crayons or markers

• Scissors (a grown up pair for dads and a pair of children’s scissors)

• Additional art materials for decorating (e.g., glue and collage items or finger paint)

To do this activity, take turns lying down on the floor, with your arms outstretched across the paper.  Dad, you can show your child how this activity is done by tracing the outline of your child’s arms (filling in remaining spaces before cutting along the lines).  Then encourage your child to trace the outlines of Dad’s arms.  Your child will practice so many important skills like turn-taking, grasping and drawing with a crayon or marker, measuring and learning to use scissors safely.

While you are taking turns tracing, explain that you are making great big hugs together!  Talk about why hugs are so wonderful and what you like best about them.  After you colour, collage or paint your big hugs, take some time out to enjoy a real hug!

If you have time for a trip to the library, look for the following books about how Dads love their children.

• Daddy Kisses and Daddy Cuddles by Anne Gutman and George Hallensleben

• Kisses for Daddy by Frances Watts and David Legge

• Daddy and Me and Daddy Hugs by Karen Katz

These are perfect for sharing some special time together. We hope you enjoy them!

Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day and Family Day, and remember to share a big hug EVERY day!