Joint attention episodes during interactions with fathers but not mothers at age 2 years is associated with expressive language at 3 years

•We explored Joint Attention (JA) episodes in relation to toddlers’ language skills.•Mother-toddler and father-toddler free play interactions were observed.•Expressive and receptive language skills were assessed longitudinally.•No differences were found between toddlers’ JA with their mothers and fathers.•JA with fathers at age two were associated with expressive language at age three.