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Our kids are growing up in a world so different from the one we knew. Their car seats might have them looking backward, but our little ones are facing the future head-on. While we often talk about how digital devices like iPhones and Alexa are shaping childhood, there’s a deeper human element transforming the way kids experience the world.
Fatherhood.
A 2021-2022 study showed something incredible: today’s dads are stepping up like never before, and it’s reshaping how children see the world—and themselves. Modern dads are doing a great job, but as a society, we could make it easier for them to be the fathers they aspire to be.
Dads want to be equal parents
Millennial dads are spending more time with their children than ever. Compared to two generations ago, today’s fathers are devoting three times as much time to parenting, and they’re not just “helping”—they’re all in.
Back in 1982, a staggering 43% of dads admitted they’d never changed a diaper. Today, that number has dropped to about 3%. That’s a huge shift, and it’s important because studies show that when fathers handle tasks like dressing, diapering, and bathing their children, those bonds grow deeper over time.
Today’s dads understand this. Research shows millennial fathers believe in more equality in parenting duties. Many still acknowledge that moms often carry a heavier load, but progress is happening. One 2021 study found that dads are dedicating 30 more minutes each day to household chores than their fathers did—and they’re spending significantly more time with their kids.
This is transformative. Fathers who are actively involved teach daughters they are just as capable as boys and show sons that tasks like doing laundry or washing dishes aren’t “women’s work”—they’re simply part of being an adult.
This shift isn’t just good for kids—it’s good for marriages, too. Studies reveal that when 60% or more of parenting duties fall on moms, relationships often struggle. But when dads take on a fair share, partnerships grow stronger. Even small actions, like dads loading the dishwasher or folding laundry, make a big difference.
Dads feel the pressure, too
Despite how much has changed, today’s fathers often experience “dad guilt.” Many want to be even more involved with their kids but face work-life challenges that hold them back. Jill Whitney, a licensed marriage and family therapist, explains that a dad might compare himself to his own father and feel proud of how much more he’s doing, while his partner might see the gaps that still exist.
It’s true—moms often juggle more. Research shows working mothers typically have less than an hour of leisure time daily, compared to nearly two hours for dads. But modern fathers are aware of this and want to bridge the gap. About half of dads, according to Pew polling, wish they could spend even more time with their kids.
Supporting fathers benefits everyone
Kevin Shafer, a sociology professor at Brigham Young University, has pointed out that public policies and workplace cultures need to evolve. His research highlights that dads are more nurturing and emotionally engaged when they work in environments that support family involvement. Paid parental leave for both moms and dads could be a game-changer, allowing more fathers to fully embrace their parenting roles.
Workplaces need to recognize this and adapt. It’s frustrating for so many dads who want to share responsibilities equally but feel trapped by demanding corporate cultures. Let’s make it possible for the number of dads doing an equal share of parenting (currently 1 in 3) to reflect the number of dads who want to (2 in 3).
Here’s to the dads
Yes, there’s still a way to go, but we can’t ignore how far fathers have come. We see it in our families and on social media, with celebrity dads like The Rock and John Legend showing us what modern fatherhood looks like.
To all the dads changing the world one diaper at a time: we see you, we appreciate you, and we know you wish you could do even more. Thank you for everything you do.
Resources that contributed to this research study article;
https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/06/15/fathers-day-facts/
https://warwick.ac.uk/newsandevents/pressreleases/research_punctures_modern/
https://www.bc.edu/content/dam/files/centers/cwf/research/publications/researchreports/BCCWF%20The%20New%20Dad%202017.pdf
https://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/89-652-x/89-652-x2017001-eng.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1651-2227.2007.00572.x
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0891243215626709
