#DanceLikeaDad Encourages Dads to Dance Their Way into the Hearts of Their Most Important Audience—Their Kids

Today, as dads everywhere are preparing to be celebrated for Father’s Day, a new campaign launches to showcase the big wins that come from small moments shared between fathers and their children. Created in partnership between The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families (ACF), along with the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse, Ad Council and Campbell Ewald, the campaign shows that nothing is better than dads and their kids sharing a moment and dancing together. When dads take time to #DanceLikeADad with their kids, that small moment can make a lasting impact.

About 1 out of every 2 working dads (48%) say they spend too little time with their kids and want to do a better job at parenting.[1] Children who feel close to their fathers exhibit better cognitive and social functioning, including increased self-control, self-esteem and empathy.[2] Overall, having an involved father significantly contributes to happier and healthier children; and this is true whether the father lives with his child or not.[3]

The campaign tagline “Make a moment. Dance Like a Dad” is part of an ongoing effort to encourage dads to play an active role in their children’s lives. Fathers and children are featured in the TV spots dancing with and alongside each other to communicate that the smallest moments spent with their children can make the biggest difference.

“The goal of this campaign is to inspire fathers to find fun and easy ways of spending quality time with their children. It’s often the simplest moments that children cherish most with their fathers,” said Clarence H. Carter, Director of ACF’s Office of Family Assistance. “We’re so excited for this campaign to launch. It’s our hope that our ‘Dance Like a Dad’ campaign will inspire dads everywhere to have a positive impact on their children’s lives by continuing to dance their way into their hearts.”

“When dads take time out of their day to have a little fun with their kids, the effects are so much more meaningful than most people think,” said Ad Council President and CEO Lisa Sherman. “We’re thrilled to be launching this new campaign and hope it shows dads everywhere that they can make a big impact on their kids’ lives through simple, fun, and even silly ways.”

“Studies have shown that kids that have involved dads in their lives are healthier, do better in school, and are generally just happier kids. That’s why this year’s campaign urges dads to cut a rug, bust a move, or just plain jump around with their kids and dance like a dad” said Joe Shoesmith, Chief Creative Officer from Campbell Ewald.

Since the Responsible Fatherhood campaign was first introduced in 2006, it has secured over $402.7 million in donated media and formed partnerships with the likes of NASCAR, WWE, and Sony Pictures. According to the Ad Council’s tracking study, two-thirds of fathers in the US report having heard or seen at least one of the campaign’s public service announcements (PSAs) (68%). Those who are aware of the campaign PSAs are significantly more likely to help their children with homework (70% vs. 53%) and read to their child (56% vs. 34%) compared to those who are unaware of the campaign. Fathers are directed to Fatherhood.gov where users will find helpful tips, tools, and information to help them get more involved with their kids. 

“This new campaign is an opportunity to see dads engaging with their kids in a carefree and fun way,” said Kenneth Braswell, Project Director for the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse and Chief Executive Officer for Fathers Incorporated. “This, above all else, highlights that it’s the lighthearted and memorable moments that are most important in cultivating a strong father-child relationship. It brings to life what research has been pointing to for years: Dads today want to be more involved than ever.

“Father’s Day is a holiday where we come out to honor dads. However, fathers should be honored year-round because it’s clear that when father’s show up for their kids consistently, those children and families flourish.”

Stay connected with the campaign via social media on Facebook and Twitter. For more information or to access additional resources, visit www.fatherhood.gov.

Related posts

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.