Objective: To explore the relationship between father s emotional symptoms with offspring s emotional and behavioral problems, so as to provide reference for the prevention and intervention of emotional and behavioral problems in preschool children. Methods: Using the method of multi stage sampling, two kindergartens from each of the two counties, two districts and two development zones were selected from Hefei during February to April 2023. A total of 3 672 children aged 3 to 6 years old and their fathers were selected from 12 kindergartens. Fathers filled out the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and mothers filled out the Strength and Difficulty Questionnaire (SDQ). Multivariate Logistic regression model was established to analyze the relationship between father s emotional symptoms and preschool children s emotional and behavioral problems. Results: The detection rate of emotional and behavioral problems in preschool children was 18.65%, and the detection rates of stress, anxiety and depression in fathers were 4.82%, 10.05% and 6.64%, respectively. Multivariate Logistic regression model analysis showed when fathers had negative emotions of stress, anxiety and depression, the detection rate of emotional and behavioral problems in their offspring was higher than children with father without negative emotion group ( OR =1.77-2.13, P <0.01). Father s stress symptoms were associated with increased risk of emotional and behavioral problems in boys, while father s anxiety and depressive symptoms were associated with increased risk of emotional and behavioral problems in boys and girls ( OR =1.45-2.69, P <0.05). Father s stress symptoms were associated with increased risk of emotional and behavioral problems in the first child, while father s anxiety and depressive symptoms were associated with increased risk of emotional and behavioral problems in the first child, second child and above ( OR =1.81-2.49, P <0.05). Conclusions Father s negative emotional symptoms are important factors affecting preschool children s emotional and behavioral problems. Early detection and targeted intervention of father s negative emotional symptoms are beneficial to the prevention and control of preschool children s emotional and behavioral problems.