Father-child outdoor activities may foster a lasting appreciation for nature across generationsResearch shows that caregivers influence their children’s engagement in outdoor recreation; however, few studies have examined the role that fathers play in shaping their children's outdoor behaviors. This study examined the impact of fathers’ childhood experiences on their current engagement in outdoor activities with their children. Using a life course perspective framework, this qualitative study explored: 1) how fathers’ past outdoor experiences as a child shape their present outdoor experiences with their children, 2) why fathers spend time outside with their children and how outdoor experiences influence their identity as a father, and 3) the benefits that fathers hope their children gain through shared outdoor experiences.
Twenty-six fathers, who primarily lived in the western and southeastern regions of the U.S., were recruited to participate in the study. Participation was limited to fathers who identified as a biological or adoptive father of a school-aged child (5-12 years). Only fathers who lived in the same household as their child and participated in outdoor recreation with their child at least once per month were eligible to participate. The participating fathers ranged in age from 35 to 50 years. Most fathers identified as married (92%), middle class (88%), and white (88%). The majority were also highly educated; 69% of fathers reported their education level as “master’s degree or higher.” The fathers had an average of 2.5 children. Semi-structured interviews, approximately 45-60 minutes in length, were conducted with each father. The interviews utilized open-ended questions, such as: “How do your past experiences as a child in nature influence the time you spend with your child outdoors today?” Reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify themes within the interview data.
Analysis identified three themes regarding past, present, and future influences on outdoor participation. The first theme, <em>past influences</em>, revealed that fathers credited their childhood upbringing in fostering their long-term appreciation of the outdoors. Fathers recalled that their caregivers’ appreciation for time in nature had a “profound and formative impact” on their own interest in the outdoors. According to fathers, “their caregivers’ modeling of interests, expressions of joy, and appreciation for the outdoors directly influenced their own desire to spend time outdoors.” Fathers reported that these early experiences motivated them to instill outdoor values in their own children. The second theme, <em>present influences,</em> explored why fathers spend time outdoors with their children and how this shared experience impacts their role as fathers. Fathers reported that spending time outside with their children was important for passing on outdoor values they learned from their parents, and that they commonly engaged in the same types of activities they enjoyed as children. Spending time outdoors was also valued for the opportunity to teach children important life skills and develop an appreciation for outdoor activities. Importantly, fathers indicated that engaging in outdoor activities with their children helped them to develop positive perceptions of their role as fathers. Fathers felt that outdoor activities helped fulfill both their personal expectations of fatherhood and societal expectations of fatherhood. Overall, “shared parent-child time outdoors offered fathers an important space to pass on outdoor values, teach important life skills, and spend time together in meaningful ways that reinforced a positive understanding of their fathering identity.” The final theme, <em>future influences</em>, revealed fathers’ desire to instill outdoor values and behaviors across family generations. Passing on outdoor values was not only personally important to the fathers but was viewed as key to protecting the environment. Some fathers hoped their appreciation of the outdoors would be passed on to their grandchildren. Fathers also aimed to create long-term positive memories for their children through their shared outdoor experiences.
The study offers important insight into how outdoor fathering practices may transmit appreciation for the outdoors across generations. Findings suggest that fathers who value outdoor recreation from their own upbringing are motivated to share similar outdoor experiences with their children to pass down their appreciation for the outdoors. Fathers also intended to build meaningful relationships with their children, model life skills, and create long-lasting memories. Additionally, fathers experienced a sense of being a good and responsible father through outdoor engagement. Findings support the development of youth outdoor programs that involve fathers. However, because the study was conducted with fathers who identified as white, married and middle class, future research is needed to explore the experiences of fathers from more diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Overall, the researchers conclude that “at a time when protecting the natural environment is increasingly important, this line of research is vital for understanding how fathers can foster long-term pro-environmental behaviors in their children that endure into adulthood.”
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