RESEARCH FOUNDATIONS
RAD Dads is built on decades of pioneering research by the world's leading father development experts. Our programs implement scientifically-validated principles that have been proven to optimize child development outcomes through father engagement.
Leading Researchers Whose Work Informs RAD Dads
Dr. Michael E. Lamb
Pioneer of modern father research. Dr. Lamb established the scientific foundation for understanding fathers' unique contributions to child development. His longitudinal studies revealed that father-child relationships are qualitatively different from mother-child relationships and have distinct developmental benefits.
- Paternal involvement significantly contributes to cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and social development
- Children with involved fathers show better adaptive functions and fewer problem behaviors
- Father-child relationships involve different types of experiences than mother-child relationships
- Paternal warmth and closeness are more important than traditional "masculine" characteristics
- Quality of father involvement matters more than quantity of time spent
Dr. Daniel Paquette
Creator of Activation Relationship Theory of Fatherhood (ARTF). Dr. Paquette's groundbreaking theory explains how fathers serve as "activation figures" who encourage appropriate risk-taking and exploration, complementing mothers' attachment relationships.
- Fathers serve as primary "activation figures" encouraging risk-taking and exploration
- Optimal activation builds self-confidence and prudent exploration in children
- Under-activation leads to anxiety; over-activation leads to behavioral problems
- Children need both attachment (comfort/security) and activation (challenge/growth)
- Father-child activation relationships are protective factors for child development
How This Research Integrates
RAD Dads uniquely combines Lamb's father involvement research with Paquette's activation relationship theory to create programs that optimize both the quantity and quality of father-child interactions while ensuring appropriate challenge and support.
Father-Specific Role
Both researchers confirm fathers have unique developmental functions distinct from mothers - not just "assistant mothers" but essential activation figures.
Quality Over Quantity
Lamb's research shows quality involvement matters most, while Paquette's theory defines what quality looks like - optimal activation through balanced challenge.
Developmental Outcomes
Both research traditions demonstrate that engaged fathers produce children with better social skills, emotional regulation, and behavioral outcomes.
How RAD Dads Implements This Research
Every RAD Dads program is intentionally designed to implement the proven principles from both research traditions, creating optimal father-child activation relationships that build confident, resilient children.
🍺 Bubs & Pubs
- Builds father identity before birth (Lamb's involvement theory)
- Establishes activation mindset in expectant fathers (Paquette's ARTF)
- Creates peer support networks for sustained involvement
- Teaches prenatal bonding techniques for early engagement
👨👩👶 RAD Fams
- Implements quality involvement through floor time (Lamb)
- Creates early activation relationships 0-1 years (Paquette)
- Supports co-parenting relationships for family system health
- Builds father confidence through guided practice
🎯 Sensory Play Gym
- Provides developmentally appropriate challenge (optimal activation)
- Builds father-child interaction quality through sensory play
- Encourages exploration with safety (activation principles)
- Develops co-regulation skills in fathers
🌿 Bush Playgroup
- Implements nature-based activation (Paquette's research)
- Builds paternal warmth through outdoor connection (Lamb)
- Teaches appropriate risk assessment skills
- Creates father-child adventure bonding
🏔️ Adventure Play
- Demonstrates optimal activation in practice (ARTF theory)
- Builds self-confident, prudent explorers (research outcomes)
- Integrates attachment security with challenge
- Creates lifelong father-child bonds through shared adventure