Children in Wales carries out a range of work relating to fathers. This section outlines why this work is important, our position statement on fathers and the work of the Fatherhood Wales Forum.

Why Fathers are Important

Fatherhood  is in a time of change and negotiation.  Fathers are increasingly sharing childcare with mothers, especially where both parents work and the gender stereotyping of roles which evolved as a result of the Industrial Revolution is beginning to break down. These patterns are set against a background of major changes in family life. 4 out of every 10 babies are now born to cohabiting couples with their high rates of relationship breakdown. Even in traditional relationships a similar number of children, around 40%, will have experienced parental separation by the time they are 16.

In addition more women are now entering the workplace, with two thirds of mothers with dependant children now either, working, or actively seeking work. The majority of these however are working part time.  At the same time the volume of work undertaken by fathers is around two thirds higher than that undertaken by mothers. Fathers in the UK today work the longest hours in the EU, and work commitments are the most commonly cited reason preventing fathers from an increased involvement in their children’s upbringing.  Despite this fact, about a third of active childcare by parents is currently carried out by fathers.