What does parenting do to us? Why do we do it? Why is there such a huge gap between what we think parenting will be and what it is? What are the jobs of Mums and Dads now: What’s a dad when he’s no longer just a provider, what’s a mum when she quite often is? Why, when we think having children will bring us together, does it so often push us apart? How do I know what to teach and model for my children when I don’t know what the world is going to look like in five years time? Why did my parents seem to have so much conviction about these things and I have absolutely none?
Well, I don’t know but luckily there are some really clever people all over the world who are thinking about these things and they’ve agreed to talk to me. So maybe we won’t be able to answer all these questions every week but maybe if we listen to their ideas we can gain some insight and some wisdom and maybe most importantly some perspective and find out what it takes to be a happier parent.
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What does parenting do to us? Why do we do it? Why is there such a huge gap between what we think parenting will be and what it is? What are the jobs of Mums and Dads now: What’s a dad when he’s no longer just a provider, what’s a mum when she quite often is? Why, when we think having children will bring us together, does it so often push us apart? How do I know what to teach and model for my children when I don’t know what the world is going to look like in five years time? Why did my parents seem to have so much conviction about these things and I have absolutely none?
Well, I don’t know but luckily there are some really clever people all over the world who are thinking about these things and they’ve agreed to talk to me. So maybe we won’t be able to answer all these questions every week but maybe if we listen to their ideas we can gain some insight and some wisdom and maybe most importantly some perspective and find out what it takes to be a happier parent.
Ep 5: Redefining Fatherhood with Alex Lloyd Hunter
Be a Happier Parent
51 minutes 26 seconds
5 months ago
Ep 5: Redefining Fatherhood with Alex Lloyd Hunter
Full video of this episode is available on Youtube @Alexindadland
You can follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok @beahappierparent
Join The Dad Shift Campaign: dadshift.org.uk
Summary
In this conversation, Alex Lloyd Hunter discusses the evolving role of fathers in modern society, emphasizing the need for better paternity leave policies in the UK. He highlights the challenges faced by new fathers, the impact of societal expectations on parenting, and the importance of emotional connection in fatherhood. The discussion also touches on the political landscape surrounding parental leave reform and personal experiences of fatherhood, illustrating the need for systemic change to support fathers and promote gender equality in parenting.
Takeaways
Paternity leave in the UK is inadequate, with only two weeks offered.Many fathers feel unprepared to return to work after such a short leave.Cultural expectations often define men primarily by their jobs, not their roles as fathers.The current paternity leave system contributes to gender inequality in the workplace.Longer and better-paid paternity leave leads to more involved fathers.Societal pressures discourage men from taking paternity leave.The emotional bond between fathers and children is crucial for family dynamics.Political advocacy is necessary to reform paternity leave policies.Personal stories highlight the diverse experiences of fatherhood.A supportive environment is essential for fathers to engage fully in parenting.
Chapters
00:00 The Dad Shift: A Call for Change07:38 Cultural Barriers to Paternity Leave13:26 The Flaws in the Current Paternity Leave System19:33 Public Support and Future Goals29:05 Launching Support Programs for Parental Leave33:37 Experiences of the Dadshift Team41:11 Creating Equal Parenting Opportunities47:10 Navigating Domestic Conflicts: The Messy Debate
Keywords
fatherhood, paternity leave, gender equality, parenting, family dynamics, societal expectations, emotional connection, political advocacy, parental leave reform, modern masculinity
Be a Happier Parent
What does parenting do to us? Why do we do it? Why is there such a huge gap between what we think parenting will be and what it is? What are the jobs of Mums and Dads now: What’s a dad when he’s no longer just a provider, what’s a mum when she quite often is? Why, when we think having children will bring us together, does it so often push us apart? How do I know what to teach and model for my children when I don’t know what the world is going to look like in five years time? Why did my parents seem to have so much conviction about these things and I have absolutely none?
Well, I don’t know but luckily there are some really clever people all over the world who are thinking about these things and they’ve agreed to talk to me. So maybe we won’t be able to answer all these questions every week but maybe if we listen to their ideas we can gain some insight and some wisdom and maybe most importantly some perspective and find out what it takes to be a happier parent.
