Dads ‘learn a lot about love' in Little River

In Riverside Elementary School, 225 dads and kids filled the school Tuesday night for Team Dad, which aims to get fathers more involved in their childrens’ lives.

“It’s just to bring dads into schools and shows them how badly they’re needed, and uses the school as a springboard to build stronger relationships everywhere,” said Christina Prince, a teacher at the school who coordinates the event.

The event is in its second year and consists of inviting fathers and their children to take part in several different activities that foster team-building and communication skills.

On activity was building a house of cards, where a father-child team had to build a house of cards with their non-dominate hand. Prince said the activity was a team-building exercise for businesses that had been adapted for the students.

Another activity called “The five love languages of children” was a popular station for parents. The activity was designed to teach the fathers how their children best received affection, whether it be words of praise, physical contact such as hugging or giving gifts.

“Like my love language is quality time and conversation,” said Prince. “My son’s and my husband’s are words of affirmation. It’s how you most feel loved. It’s almost like a personality test but just in the way that you feel the most love.”

Father Eric Gerald said the activity was a great way for dads to get to know their kids.

“You learn a lot about love, and see what your kids like too,” he said. “What they like and don’t like, things they like for you to do for them, hug them, give them a present. It’s real nice. It’s helpful.”

Prince said the event gives dads the chance to become more familiar with their kid’s school lives, school staff and helps improves communication between dads and teachers.

“If you ever have to have a tough conversation, it’s a whole lot easier if they know you as a person,” she said.

Quen Evans said the event was an “excellent” way to meet other dads and and students in the community.

“I was lucky enough to come have lunch with my kids last week, but everybody doesn’t get to meet teachers as much with their work and their schedule,” he said. “I came last year, and I’ll be coming back.”

This story was originally published October 26, 2016 at 6:37 PM with the headline "Dads ‘learn a lot about love' in Little River."