Don't forget Father's Day

Dads feel surplus to requirements when at home with mum and the kids, according to a new survey.

Modern women have become more proficient at juggling motherhood with full and part-time work but this is causing dads to become less certain about their role within the family unit.

Two thirds of dads readily admit they no longer have any influence over meal times, health care, bedtime or daily routine for their children, in a survey of 2000 dads by parenting club, Bounty. Four in 10 dads regret agreeing to be the main breadwinner so their partner could be the main child carer. 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, many dads no longer feel they have an active and vital role in the upbringing of their own children.

Faye Mingo, spokeswoman for Bounty said: “Economic circumstances, work pressures and the nature of family relationships have changed over the years. Mums are increasing juggling more of these responsibilities which has led to dads feeling left out and confused about their role. So called 'do-it-all' mums need to involve dads more and consider their needs as fathers, especially as nowadays most modern day dads are happy to share the responsibility of looking after the 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. 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.

The poll also 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.

Faye Mingo added: “In most households mum has the final say day to day. She is the one who makes the main decisions about child care and is the one who is there when the children hurt themselves, cry, laugh or achieve something.”

“Couples need to compromise on weekends; mums may need more help with the housework, but dads need to be given more control and feel involved with the children.”

Father's Day in the UK falls on Sunday 21 June this year.