These days, it’s not your Dad’s fatherhood. Things have changed for moms, and dads’ role with the kids has blossomed into something quite different than that of past generations. It’s time to give every dad and dad-to-be his due.
Just how much has the fatherhood landscape changed? This 2012 Infographic shares some statistics that might surprise you. They also spark the imagination when it comes to gifts to buy the soon-to-be, new, and seasoned dad.
Dads are into social media – On average, dads have 37% more friends than moms and are more likely than moms to friend their kids (Dad 33% versus Mom 26%). In fact, they spend 50% more time online with their kids than moms do.
Gift idea: Upgrade him to a new smart phone. He’ll be free to easily take and upload all the images of the kids when the opportunity arises. Plus, you can reach him any time, during and after pregnancy, and while he’s at work or out and about.
Dads say that being a father is important – 99% of dads see being a dad as an important part of who they are.
Gift idea: Give him books he loved as a child so he can read them to the kids. There are many of the older books that have come back onto the market. You can even ask his parents for any favorites they’ve held onto since he was a kid.
Dads rank work responsibilities as the biggest obstacle to fatherhood – Being a dad is important to them, but work can get in the way.
Gift idea: If he’s into a particular activity like biking, get him a bike seat for his youngster; when he isn’t working he combine his “me” time with some “Daddy” time.
Dads say they pitch in at home – Fathers are a lot more involved than past generations. Here’s how it stacks up: 70% help with shopping duties (up from 32%); 70% share in taking care of the kids (up from 33%); 67% cook (up from 22%); and 70% do housecleaning (up from 10%).
Gift idea: Get him his own baby sling or front carrier so he can pitch in even when it’s his turn to do his chores.
A final suggestion – There’s one gift that should not be forgotten. With Dad more involved with family life, he shares Mom’s stress. Enjoy the periodic gift of an entire evening with just the two of you. Doing so can refresh your relationship, allowing both of you to be more rested and ready for the day-to-day responsibilities of parenthood.
