There’s an outdated perspective that says, “Dads are better suited to be workers than the caretakers of children.” However, this view is just as wrong as the outdated perspectives that continue to persist about women.
The truth is, when child custody orders permit it, modern dads make excellent caretakers. They’re just as good as moms are when it comes to getting their kids ready for school, making school lunches, playing with dolls and going for outdoor adventures.
What does the modern American dad look like?
The Pew Research Center has published telling statistics about modern fathers. These statistics poignantly show how the fathers of today are breaking the mold:
- Research shows that 57 percent of American dads see that being a father is central to their identities. This figure is approximately the same as the 58 percent of American moms who also agree with this statement.
- Dads have more involvement in childcare activities now than they did 50 years ago. In 2015, fathers said that they spend approximately seven hours weekly on tasks related to childcare. As compared to 1965, when the figure was only four hours a week, this is a significant increase.
- Dads worry more than moms about how well they’re doing as parents.
- Thirty-nine percent of dads agreed that they were “good parents,” while 51 percent of moms said the same. While some might see this statistic as a negative, it could be seen as a positive. When dads are more aware of areas that need improvement, they’re more likely to step up to the plate and make the necessary changes.
- Fathers worry about their work-family balance. Fathers say it’s difficult to balance their work lives and their family lives. Fifty-two percent of working fathers said it’s hard for them to achieve a good work-family balance. Twenty-nine percent of working dads said that feeling rushed is normal for them.
- Working dads are just as likely as working moms to say that they’d rather stay home with the kids. Forty-eight percent of dads versus 52 percent of moms agree with this statement.
Can you identify with the statements above?
Most modern fathers would identify with many of the above statements. However, fathers can still get the short end of the stick in California child custody proceedings. This is often because fathers don’t know their rights — and dads themselves might believe the old maxims that say “children belong with their mother.” In fact, psychologists agree that children benefit from spending as much time as possible with both parents.
Are you ready to fight for your rights as a father? The law just might be on your side.