With Dad In Mind: Creating an Atmosphere for Dads to Feel Included
By Lamont Jones
Fathers play a crucial role in the family, bringing unique strengths, perspectives, and forms of support vital to a child’s growth and well-being. However, despite these contributions, dads are often overlooked as valuable resources, sometimes cast as secondary figures in parenting. This perspective overlooks the rich benefits involved—fathers bring confidence-building, positive role modeling, and emotional support that strengthens a child’s foundation. Recognizing and valuing the role of fathers is essential to creating an inclusive family environment where both parents are empowered to contribute fully to their children’s lives.
Barriers Dads Face
Yet, many fathers encounter cultural barriers that discourage or limit their engagement in parenting. Stereotypes about men’s roles as “providers” or “disciplinarians” persist, creating expectations that minimize a father’s involvement in caregiving. Some fathers may face bias in workplaces that don’t offer paternity leave or flexible hours, limiting their ability to balance family responsibilities. In schools and communities, events and communications may unconsciously center around mothers, making fathers feel like outsiders in parenting spaces. These cultural barriers can discourage dads from fully engaging in their child’s life despite their desire to contribute.
