Walk into any parent-child class in Fort Lauderdale on a weekday morning and you’ll notice something that’s been quietly shifting for years: more dads.
Not just the occasional stay-at-home father filling in. Dads who chose to be there. Dads with flexible work schedules who blocked out Tuesday morning specifically for this. Dads who drove 20 minutes to sit on the floor and do a music class with their 18-month-old because they didn’t want to miss it.
The name “Mommy and Me” has been around for decades, and it stuck for a reason — these classes were built in an era when moms were overwhelmingly the ones attending. But the landscape has changed. Remote work, flexible schedules, evolving family structures, and a growing understanding of the father-child bond have all contributed to a noticeable rise in dads attending parent-child classes across South Florida.
And the research says that’s a very good thing.
Why Father-Child Bonding Matters in Early Childhood
The developmental benefits of parent-child classes — social skills, sensory development, language growth, motor skill building — apply regardless of which parent is in the room. But research also points to specific benefits of engaged fatherhood in early childhood:
Physical play patterns differ. Fathers tend to engage in more physical, stimulating play — roughhousing, lifting, spinning, chasing. This kind of play builds gross motor skills, spatial awareness, and risk assessment. It also teaches children to regulate excitement and arousal, a key emotional skill.
Language development gets a boost. A study from the Harvard Graduate School of Education found that when fathers are actively involved in early childhood activities, children show stronger language development. Fathers often use different vocabulary and conversational styles than mothers, which expands a child’s linguistic exposure.
Secure attachment forms through shared experiences. The bond between a child and their father strengthens through consistent, positive shared activities — not just through being present at home, but through doing things together. A structured class gives dads and young children a dedicated time and place for that kind of intentional connection.
Children develop broader social models. When kids see dads dancing in a music class, building with blocks on the floor, or wearing a dress-up hat without hesitation, it normalizes engaged, expressive fatherhood. That modeling shapes how children understand relationships, roles, and emotional availability.
What Holds Some Dads Back
Despite the shift, many fathers still feel hesitation about attending a “Mommy and Me” class. The reasons are pretty consistent:
The name itself. When a class is literally called Mommy and Me, some dads feel like they’re crashing someone else’s space. The branding suggests the class wasn’t designed with them in mind.
Social dynamics. Walking into a room of 12 moms and being the only dad can feel awkward, especially the first time. Some fathers worry about being out of place or not knowing the routines.
Not knowing what to expect. If you’ve never been to a parent-child class, the format can be unclear. Will I have to sing? Sit on the floor? Dance? (Yes to all three, by the way. And it’s fine.)
Schedule assumptions. Many classes are held weekday mornings, which historically assumed the attending parent didn’t have a traditional 9-to-5 job. As remote and flexible work has expanded, more fathers can attend — but the perception lag remains.
The good news: every one of these barriers is disappearing. More facilities are using the term “parent and child” or “caregiver and child” classes. More dads are showing up, which makes it easier for the next dad to show up. And the awkwardness fades about 30 seconds after your toddler starts laughing.
What Actually Happens in a Daddy-and-Me Class
If you’ve never been, here’s what a typical parent-child class looks like for toddlers and preschoolers:
Music and movement classes (like Zumbini): You and your child sing, clap, dance, shake instruments, and move together for about 45 minutes. It’s designed to build rhythm, coordination, language, and bonding. Will you feel silly? Briefly. Will your kid light up? Absolutely.
Sensory and exploration classes: These often involve stations — water tables, textured bins, paint, playdough, and other tactile materials. Your child explores each one while you guide, encourage, and play alongside them. It’s hands-on, messy, and deeply engaging for little ones.
Movement and coordination classes (like Tiny Toes): Focused on gross motor development — balance beams, floor movements, trampolines, and obstacle courses designed for toddlers. You’re right there spotting, encouraging, and cheering them on.
Open play with guided interaction: Some sessions are less structured — a well-designed play space where you and your child explore together, with staff available to suggest activities or help with transitions.
In every format, the core idea is the same: you’re not dropping your child off. You’re playing with them. You’re on the floor, in the moment, following their lead. That’s the experience.
What Fort Lauderdale Dads Are Actually Saying
The dads who show up consistently say a few things:
“I didn’t realize how much I needed this.” Between work, responsibilities, and the general speed of life, many fathers don’t have a dedicated time slot for focused, one-on-one play with their child. A class creates that structure.
“My kid acts differently with me here.” Children engage differently with each parent. Some kids who are reserved with one parent light up with the other. The class environment gives fathers a chance to see a side of their child they might miss at home.
“It’s not what I expected.” Most dads walk in expecting it to be awkward and walk out wondering why they waited so long. The classes are designed for the child’s experience, not the parent’s self-consciousness. Once the music starts, nobody’s thinking about who’s a mom and who’s a dad.
“The other kids love it.” Toddlers are fascinated by new adults. When a dad shows up in a class full of moms, the other kids often gravitate toward him — especially for physical play. It’s a role that fills naturally.
👨👧 For Dads: You don’t need to be the “artsy” or “musical” parent to enjoy a daddy-and-me class. The best classes are designed for connection, not perfection. Just show up, get on the floor, and play — your child will remember the time together, not the technique.
How to Find the Right Class as a Dad in Fort Lauderdale
If you’re a father looking to try parent-child classes in Broward County, here’s what to look for:
Language matters. Look for classes that use inclusive terms — “parent and child,” “caregiver and child,” or simply list the class type without gendering it. That signals a space designed for anyone.
Start with what fits your comfort level. If singing feels like a stretch, start with a movement or sensory class. If you’re comfortable being goofy, music and dance classes are some of the most rewarding.
Go during a weekday if you can. Weekday morning classes tend to be smaller and more relaxed, which can make a first visit easier. Weekend classes are great too, but they’re often busier.
Bring your kid’s favorite comfort item. If your toddler has a blanket or stuffed animal that makes new situations easier, bring it. The goal is for both of you to have a good time.
Ask the venue about the vibe. A good facility will tell you honestly what the class dynamic looks like and whether other dads attend regularly. Most places are thrilled to see fathers showing up.
It’s Not About Replacing Mom
This isn’t a competition. Daddy-and-me classes don’t replace the bond a child has with their mother — they add to it. Children benefit from having multiple secure attachments, and the research consistently shows that active fatherhood in early childhood leads to stronger emotional, social, and cognitive outcomes.
When a dad sits on the floor, follows his toddler’s lead, sings a song he barely knows, and watches his kid’s face light up — that’s not a nice moment. That’s development happening in real time. For both of them.
The Bottom Line
The era of the “babysitting dad” is over. Fort Lauderdale fathers are showing up in parent-child classes because they understand something the research has been saying for years: children need engaged, present, playful parents. Not just one. Both.
If you’re a dad who’s been thinking about it — stop thinking and just go. Your kid doesn’t care if you can carry a tune. They care that you’re there.
Kids Hideout offers parent-and-child classes in Fort Lauderdale for babies and toddlers, including Zumbini music classes and Tiny Toes movement classes. Every class includes open play time so you and your child can keep exploring together. See our class schedule here.