A recent study highlights a significant shift in modern fatherhood, with many new dads seeking to redefine their roles beyond traditional expectations. Three months into fatherhood, psychologist Zac Seidler grappled with a new identity that arrived without a playbook or a peer group for guidance.
The Movember Institute of Men’s Health surveyed 1,216 fathers, finding that two in five do not wish to emulate their own fathers' parenting styles. More than 75% prioritize being a good dad above career success, signaling a strong desire for a different approach to fatherhood.
While expectant mothers receive extensive practical guidance, new fathers often encounter vague warnings. Seidler argues that modern mothers have long navigated balancing professional and parental roles, and a similar focus is now needed for fathers to be equal caregivers, not just emotionally present but practically capable of handling daily responsibilities.
His research indicates a lack of structural support for these evolving roles. In Australia, 54% of fathers feel unsupported by society. Seidler emphasizes that current health services, workplaces, and community programs are not designed for involved fathers, despite men showing increased involvement in daily childcare and greater openness to expressing vulnerability.
The survey found that three in five Australian fathers were not asked about their mental health by any health professional during pregnancy or the year after birth. Seidler calls for similar government-funded support groups for fathers as those available for mothers, advocating for systematic check-ins and community resources to help new dads find their footing.