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Dads' Survey 2024: Fatherhood in the Balance
Fathers Network Scotland (FNS) is a well established charity that exists to improve children's lives and outcomes through the positive involvement of dads, father-figures & whole families. From its start back in 2008 we have been collecting, analysing and communicating evidence that expresses the needs and concerns of dads, families. In June we asked dads to participate in our 2024 survey, the sixth in a series. Over 400 dads from across Scotland spoke up and what they told us paints a vivid picture of family life and of modern fatherhood hanging in the balance!
Given the considerable financial pressure many already fatigued families faced, this year we wanted to know if: ‘The quiet childcare revolution’ - which saw a significant increase in the time spent by fathers on unpaid childcare post COVID - had faltered? How were dads coping with balancing their work and family life? Was their wellbeing, and family relationships suffering?
What we found…
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Dads remain committed to positive engagement with their children and families post-COVID despite increased financial pressure. Astonishingly 40% are spending 25 or more hours each week playing or supporting their children’s learning. This increases to 54% among dads with children between the ages of one and two. And half of dads (49%) from the most deprived areas (SIMD 1) are dedicating 25 hours or more per week—15% more than those from SIMD 5.
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Many more dads are struggling to balance work and family life, particularly new dads and dads on the edge of poverty in the ‘pressured middle’. Half of working dads (51%) described the balance of work & family life as ‘difficult’ or ‘very difficult’ - double the number in 2022 (24%). The challenges seem to be greatest from new dads with nearly 1 in 5 (18%) saying that balancing work and home life is ‘very difficult’ (compared to a 12% average). The 'pressured middle' (SIMD 2 & SIMD 3) are also struggling, with 17% finding it ‘very difficult’.
“Cost of living has added tremendous financial pressure, which has doubled the pressure felt at work. I'm finding it difficult to be a good dad/husband and solve our money problems.“
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Poor mental health is at a record high, and fewer dads than ever are seeking support. Nearly half of all dads (48%) told us their mental health was either 'not great' or 'very poor'—more than double the number in 2023 (23%). Once again new dads and dads in the pressured middle (SIMD 2) were particularly hard hit, with 16% and 26% respectively reporting 'very poor' mental health (compared to a 10% average). As one new dad told us:
“Terrible Finances, no support network, had to relocate from home city due to cost of living and housing crisis. Lost all friends, never see extended family, new job without any scope for sociability and with no flexible working. My partner is struggling even more than me and I’ve nearly ended our relationship several times in the past 6 months.”
However, the most vulnerable continue to be those with little or no contact with their children, with four in ten telling us their mental health is 'very poor.'
“I've not seen my kids for over 18 months. I recently had to stop fighting through court to see them after doing everything I was asked. Being told that they don't want to read my letters let alone see me, shattered my already broken heart.”
Sadly, the number of dads who are not seeking support for deteriorating mental health has more than doubled from 6% in 2022 to 15% in 2024. This concerning trend reveals that countless dads are navigating their struggles alone, feeling isolated and left without the support they need.
We hope the findings from this survey, and the voices of these dads, will be heard - allowing politicians, policy advisors, service managers, practitioners and employers to understand and make the changes needed to uphold the UNCRC and better support dads and their families.
To read the full report and find out what we are calling for visit our website https://www.fathersnetwork.org.uk/dads_survey_2024 or contact Director Cathy Sexton - cathy@fathersnetworkscotland.org.uk
Image of a dad holding his young daughter © Eoin Carey
Photo © Eoin Carey