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Older millennials are soon to hit their 40s, and many of the millennial fathers are raising kids differently. They are spending more time with their families and children and are excited to be on paternity leave so they can share child-rearing duties with their partners. Each generation boasts of a specific parenting style, but these modern dads, the fathers of Gen Y, have set an excellent example for the upcoming generations to mimic.
With major societal shifts that millennials are experiencing, they are doing things differently in all aspects of life, and parenting is no different. We have taken a closer look at millennial dads who are actively breaking past stereotypes. So, how is societal restructuring impacting the way millennial dads are involved in nurturing their kids? Here is what we think makes them so unique and inspiring:
1. They’re Actively Involved In Home Activities
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In contrast to the previous generations, millennial dads spend more time with their families, taking care of their partner’s needs and their kids. Even though two working parents are now busier than ever, they still make time for their kids. They have clearly imbibed their role as a father as part of their identity. Modern dads are more enthusiastic about raising their children, more supportive of their partners, and less reluctant to manage household responsibilities. Plus, parents are more child-focused than ever, with more dads and mums working from home. There is also an inclination today to adopt a co-parenting approach where both parents almost equally share kids’ responsibilities.
2. Millennial Dads Are Opting For Paternity Leaves
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We are quite aware of maternity leaves for working women. And paternity leave is a relatively new concept for many. Modern dads of Gen Y are not shying away from getting paternity leaves approved. They want to help their partners take care of the baby; many even choose to become stay-at-home dads to support their partner’s careers while bonding with their baby at home. Some millennial dads are also more confident in raising kids on their own as single parents or LGBTQ parents, breaking the patterns of traditional family structures.
3. Millennial Dads Are Striving To Balance Work And Family
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Research shows that 46 percent of parents today constitute the workforce compared to 31 percent in the 1970s (1). While it was common for moms to stay at home and make career adjustments post-childbirth, modern dads are now starting to make some sacrifices so they can spend more time with their sons or daughters. They have started bargaining for flexible working hours, and some have begun their ventures so they can juggle between work and child-rearing at ease. Fathers are spending more time with their children — these children’s activities are not just about children but about parents too. This is because they value togetherness and prioritize cherishing sweet moments with their families.
4. Millennial Dads Are Quite Protective And Responsible
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Today’s parents are no longer shy to take advice from their community on the internet. They are also actively documenting their child’s lives on social media. The internet is a place where parents of Gen Y seek advice and information on health, parenting tips, recipes, games, education, and upbringing. There are several websites and apps that offer advice on raising children, paternal, and maternal health. While there is a plethora of information available, tech-savvy millennial dads are better able to skim out unnecessary information and keep what resonates with them and their children. Millennial dads have a more organized and scheduled life so they can dedicate their time to play and bond with their children. They actively carve out free time in their routine that wasn’t a common thing to do back in the day.
5. Millennial Dads Are More Involved In Their Child’s Lives Than Ever Before
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Millennial dads understand the importance of the availability of both parents in a child’s life. Family structures decades back were more adult-centric, where parents only interacted with children to discipline them. Now, because of fears of their safety and security, mental health, and obsession with child’s education, extracurricular activities, and other aspects, millennial dads focus on developing a friendly relationship with their children. They’re far more confident about their parenting skills, open-minded, understanding, and breaking stereotypes to unlearn and learn new aspects of parenting that help them raise good kids. Given the financial uncertainties, they do their best to ensure that their children get the best resources they need to grow up and have a stable future.
Whatever be the era, dads are awesome. There are unique, distinct parenting styles that each generation has adopted to ensure they can best take care of their children. Do you believe that millennial parents are raising kids differently? Do share your thoughts on this in the comments section below.
