Remember the dad who came home late from work and only saw his kids on weekends? That role is rapidly disappearing. Millennial dads have turned this model on its head, significantly increasing the time they spent with their kids and actively participating in every aspect of their growth. A transformation that is redefining the very concept of fatherhood.
The numbers of the new paternity
Secondo this study of the Pew Research Center, millennial dads have tripled the time spent on childcare compared to fathers in 1965. An even more significant fact emerges when 57% of millennial dads consider parenthood an integral part of their identity, a percentage almost identical to that of mothers (58%).
Another search for BabyCenter, then mapped this active participation in detail. Millennial dads are present in 77% of bedtime routines, 65% of bathtimes, 61% of doctor visits, 60% of morning routines, and 55% of kids’ activities.
Being an involved dad is not a trend. It's just the way things work today.
The obstacles to overcome
Despite progress, significant challenges still remain. A study by the Tufts University of 2023 highlighted how schools still tend to contact mothers first, often ignoring the involvement of fathers.
Interestingly, there is also a bad media representation, which does not help: a search for the Brigham Young University found that Nearly 40% of fatherly behaviors shown on TV programs for kids ages 9 to 14 are portrayed as ridiculous or awkward, perpetuating outdated stereotypes.
Millennial Dads: Balancing Work and Family
A systematic review DaddiLife, created in collaboration with Deloitte, revealed that 63% of millennial dads requested changes to their work schedule after becoming a father. However, only the 19% of those who asked to work from home one or two days a week saw their requests accepted.
Yet, 45% of fathers experiences tension with their employers as they try to balance work and parenting, while 37% reported regular tension in managing these dual responsibilities.
The impact on family dynamics
The increased presence of millennial fathers has also significantly transformed family dynamics. Research indicates that Children with actively involved fathers show better behavioral, emotional, social, and cognitive outcomes.
From an emotional point of view, children benefit of the presence of their fathers showing less emotional reactivity. Socially, Active paternal involvement contributes to better social skills and peer relationships.
Millennial Dads, A Generational Comparison
The comparison with previous generations, that of millennial dads, is enlightening. In the 70s, fathers devoted on average only 22 minutes a day to caring for children. In 1982, the 43% of the fathers admitted to never having changed a diaper. Today, this percentage has dropped to 3%.
Millennial dads, also thanks to the smart working, also contribute about 30 more minutes a day on household chores compared to their own fathers, indicating a move toward more equal sharing of domestic responsibilities.
This transformation of fatherhood marks a profound cultural change, which goes far beyond the numbers. Millennial dads are building a new model of parenting, more balanced and aware, which will have positive repercussions on future generations. And you, millennial dads? Do you see yourself in the portrait? Let me know on the various social networks where you can find Futuro Prossimo.
