According to the U.S. Census, 16% of stay-at-home parents are now Dads—more than ever! Even if Dads work outside the home, they love spending time with their kids.
Kids love any story that involves exploring a frontier—physical or emotional. And who better to have by their side during the exploration than their Dad?
Modern dads are plugged in to the media their children find so compelling. They stay in touch with old besties on Facebook, and share their ideas, humor, and great food pics on Twitter and Instagram.
Today’s Dad isn’t a dictator. He discusses purchase decisions with the whole family—including where they will eat out. Everyone has a say.
When he listens to his kids’ requests for restaurants, Dad hears throwbacks to his own childhood. McDonald’s is still the place his kids ask him to go the most.
Emotionally in-touch Dads are a reality today. Not only do they try to spend more time with their kids, but they talk about substantive topics.
Half of dads cling to the way they were raised, and the other half branch out to try new approaches. At YouthBeat®, we call these the “Om” parents—they exhale, let the little things go, and focus on raising good (not entitled) children
Dads have a tough job today, as always. Their biggest priority is conveying their personal values into their children, and moms agree that this is the toughest and most important part of parenthood.
Despite the greater number of stay-at-home Dads today, most Dads work outside the home. Work and commuting take a bite out of the time Dads would love to be spending with their families.
'Fun Dads' are a thing! A third of fathers love playing Mario or other games alongside their children. Today’s Dads don’t have to be stodgy—they can enjoy the pastimes of their youth with their own kids.
Source: YouthBeat® 2016 (full year)
