The role of a mother in a modern family has undergone enormous changes over the years. A woman is no longer the primary caretaker in the family. Besides her, stands firmly “The Urban Dad”, shouldering the responsibility of child rearing.
As per one of the recent surveys –
- 88% Dads take the child to the doctor during illness
- 86% Dads have meals with their child
- 79% Dads plan vacation for their child
Modern dads are involved in every aspect of their child upbringing. Right from nappy changing duties to teaching their child how to drive a bike, they are actively involved at every stage in their lives. This change is both cultural and economic. Nearly two-thirds of children now have either two working parents or a single parent who is working, contributing to the trend of father’s increasingly caring for children.
It will be interesting to note what has led to this change in society –
- Economic shift – More & more women are joining the workforce forcing men to take up roles other than just being the finance provider of the family.
- Family shift – From a traditional setup where a child had many family members to take care of him, Indian society has shifted to a much smaller & independent setup of nuclear families. With independence came the sharing of responsibility.
- Motherly is the new Macho – Not anymore a man is expected to be just a disciplinarian or an authority figure in the family. Compared to their fathers, the modern father is more caring & loving.
ProEves did an OPINION SURVEY on Changing Role of Fathers in leading Preschools & Daycares and here are some survey responses that validate the above themes-
Mr. Aman Modwal, Maple Bear Canadian Pre-schools in Donapaula & Porvorim in Goa says “We increasingly see that, the line between the ‘supposed’ roles of mothers and fathers, is blurring. Fathers are as eager to participate in daily activities involving their children e.g. Fathers want to actively know if and how much the child ate from his/her tiffin. During the settling period, fathers are equally involved and concerned about their child’s day at the school and it’s no longer a mother’s worry or responsibility alone.”
Genci Victoria – Centre Manger at Amelio Early Education highlights“I found around 80% of the parents who come to drop and pick the children are the “DADs”. Infact for few children I have seen the mom only during registration and after that it is only the father of the child continues to come for drop and pick up. They are really serious about parenting. When I was in Adyar the child was 1.5 years and they had to put him in the day care since the mother had lapsed her maternity leave and had to join her work. First one week they dropped the child for an hour and slowly increased the time. The child settled in two weeks time until then the child’s father would watch the previous day’s recording in CCTV only then he would leave the centre. He was very happy and now the child is moved from half a day to a full day programme.”
Mr. Rudrendra Basak, Vice President, Maple Bear Chanderbala Modi Academy says “Millennial dads are definitely more aware of their parenting role, always eager to learn the latest and more scientific ways of dealing with situations rather than relying on the age old ways.”
Nirmala V – Centre Manger at Amelio Early Education highlights “Urban Dads are being more involved in their children’s upbringing compared to Fathers. Because in urban lifestyle demands for that. Like most of us, both Moms and Dads are working to balance that urban Dads are supporting their hands in parenting.”
Mr. Santonu Choudhury, Owner, Maple Bear Canadian Preschools in Salt Lake and New Town, Kolkata “My father as I remember took me to school on the first day of school. That was the last I saw of him during my school days. A lot has changed since then with young fathers today being keener on parenting and willing to attend PTMs and other events at school.”
Pranab Saxena, Head of Business Development at Ipsaa Daycare states “Today we see a lot of Dads walking into our day-care centres with their young children while leaving and picking them every morning and evening. No longer this is being considered the responsibility of only the mothers. Dads too feel an important part of this decision making and are happily seen sharing this key role in the selection and securing services for their tiny tots. I feel this big change is revolutionary and a right step for a growing and progressive society.
Anil Kumar, Maple Bear South Asia further adds “15 or 20 years back fathers were a little more conservative in their approach. Compared to then, millennial fathers raise their children with a newfound sense of independence giving them more freedom and respecting their choices.”
Nishita, Corporate Manager at The Learning Curve mentions “Today dads are involved. Right from changing nappies to baby sitting their kids, they are doing all that a mother can do. They take pride in sharing child care responsibility and we see many more dads in our centres than 3 years ago picking & dropping their children.”
Ankit Sharma, Maple Bear South Asia concludes “Today’s generation of dads have become the new mothers for their kids as they participate equally in the day to day lives of their children. They oversee their studies, play with them, discuss with them their school projects and help their kids with their daily problems. New age dads are cooler, friendlier and more approachable versions of their own dads. They are also more involved in the intellectual growth and development of their child and hence ask us the right questions often”
No longer is the father the sole breadwinner of family. His role has evolved and continues to change. He is a capable caregiver to his children today & is redefining fatherhood.