Hi, this is Dan from Dad Psych.

Feeling sidelined as a new dad? With all eyes on mom and baby, it’s easy to feel lost.

Every Wednesday, we’ll untangle the science and psychology behind your new world in 5 minutes or less.

Straightforward, research-backed and never costing you a penny.

The role of a ‘father’ has officially changed

The days of dad heading to work while mum stays home with the kids are finally starting to fade. Today’s fathers are stepping up more than ever, both at home and with their children.

Stats show that while blokes are pitching in a lot more with housework, the real change has come in how we approach parenting. Fathers are stepping up and taking an active role in raising their kids.

Life coaching, being role models, and yes, the classic "Dad Taxi" duties, we're doing it all more than ever.

In fact, dads are now spending nearly two hours a day caring for their children. While mothers still average about an hour more, the gap is undeniably shrinking.

Active Dads’ impact on their kids

While the research is still emerging, current studies suggest the impact is significant.

For instance, 57% of 18-29-year-olds who said they could turn to both parents for personal problems came from two-parent households where dads played a more active role.

Compare this to past generations, where dads were often seen as the disciplinarians or the ones who dealt with practical problems, leaving the emotional side to mums. Now, dads are taking on that emotional role too, becoming approachable figures their kids feel comfortable confiding in.

Additionally, young boys are increasingly turning to their fathers for emotional support, a big shift from the traditional expectation that mum would handle all the feelings.

In the past, boys were often encouraged to "man up" or keep their emotions to themselves, perpetuating the idea that dads weren’t the ones to talk to about sensitive issues. Today, dads are helping to break down these outdated stereotypes, teaching their sons that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Kids are growing up with a more balanced sense of guidance and connection, with fathers now seen as equal partners in nurturing and support. For us dads, this means shedding the old label of being just ‘providers.’ We’re stepping into roles as mentors, emotional anchors, and the people our kids look to for answers, support, and inspiration.

What can you take from this?

How we show up as dads today shapes not just our kids’ lives, but the kind of parents they’ll become one day too. It’s a big deal, and it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on how you want to make your mark.

How were you raised? What parts of that do you want to carry forward? And what’s ready for a bit of an upgrade? This is your chance to create your own style of fatherhood, blending the best of what you know with the dad you want to be.

The more we show up now, the more our kids will feel they can turn to us as they grow. You’re laying the groundwork for a generation of kids who know their dad has always got their back.

Meme of the week

That old stash of COVID masks you have in the cupboard might need to make a comeback.

Social media spot of the week

Over on X, @VibrantDad gives us a very short presentation on ‘The Essence of Fatherhood’.

Brilliant!

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That’s about it for now, have a great week!

- Dan from Dad Psych

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