Career Pressure Hitting Fatherhood
More than half (54%) of fathers feel it is a battle to fulfil their role in 21st century Britain, a survey found.
The survey, by children’s charity NSPCC, concluded that long working hours and inflexible jobs are making it harder for fathers to be there for their children.
More than half (59%) of the 1,023 fathers questioned claimed career pressure can keep them away from their offspring.
Meanwhile 51% of fathers interviewed felt they did not get enough recognition from society for their role and 46% believed that a lack of father-friendly support contributed to their difficulties.
Also, more than one in three fathers (38%) said it was a struggle to be seen as important as their child’s mother.
Duncan Fisher, Director of the Fatherhood Institute said: “People’s instincts about parenting back up what research has been telling us.
“It’s clear that parental leave and services do not meet the needs of the modern family. Government and policy makers need to catch up with reality because involving dads has a huge impact on a child’s well-being and life chances.”
The findings, which are also supported by the TUC and charity Families need Fathers, are complemented by a photographic exhibition - Fathergood? - which was opened by the NSPCC.
The exhibition, being held in Shoreditch, east London, involves photos taken by 40 young people who were asked to capture what fatherhood meant to them. The images range from hearts, orange juice, and medals, to empty wine bottles, road signs, and broken branches.
Chris Cloke, NSPCC head of child protection awareness and diversity, said the exhibition “highlights how vital it is for the Government to encourage and support fathers to create lasting bonds with their children.
Source: The Press Association
http://ukpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5ivJ5mO38xTHK7JjMjbLH0KVqPquw
