Some Dads feel like a spare part when at home with mum and the kids!
A new survey says now that women have become more proficient at juggling motherhood with full and part-time work, dads are becoming less certain about their role within the family unit.
In fact, two thirds of dads readily admit they no longer have any influence over meal times, health care, bedtime or daily routine for their children.
Four in 10 dads regret agreeing to be the main breadwinner so their partner could be the main child carer. A massive 58 per cent think mums get the better deal as they have forged a strong relationship and routine with the kids whilst dads work long hours. And as a consequence, dads no longer feel they have an active and vital role in the upbringing of their own children.
Nearly half of dads resent the close relationship their partners have forged with the children – claiming their partner only had eyes for the baby the minute they were born. A third of dads felt left out the minute their partner fell pregnant, because it was difficult for them to feel involved. In fact, 55 per cent willed the birth to arrive quickly so they could play an active part in parenthood.
But 40 per cent of dads felt they had nothing to do after the baby was born, as mum dominated the feeding and sleeping patterns.
And once children become toddlers matters don’t improve – despite turning to dad for games and play, mum is still the one they want for comfort and advice. The poll reveals that 69 per cent of children who wake in the night call out for mum rather than dad. And if they get out of bed in the night they are more likely to walk round to mum’s side of the bed than dads. A further 62 per cent of dads say their kids always run to mum for advice about school work, clothes, and food. And when feeling poorly, 74 per cent of children only want their mum for cuddles and reassurance.
As a result, half of dads claim to feel hurt and useless on the days they are at home with the children.
Two thirds of dads admitted that deciding they should be the one to go out to work was a joint decision. And a further 55 per cent appreciate that if they had wanted to be a house husband, their partner would have happily let them.
May 2009
poll of 2,000 dads by Bounty | 
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