Emotions are essential to good parenting and helping kids grow up healthy. Today, fathers are much more active in their young children’s lives than in the past. This involvement is good for the child’s development and the mother’s health before and after giving birth. However, some men still find it hard to manage their emotions, like feeling depressed or happy, while figuring out their roles as dads.
Researchers from U-M, Ohio State University, and Northeastern University studied the feelings and experiences of 24 low-income dads from different races in the U.S. during pregnancy, after their babies were born, and in early childhood. They discovered that even though these new fathers faced economic struggles and negative stereotypes, they stayed very connected to their children.
The men got help from their families and local programs, but society often ignored them. They had to struggle to be seen not just as dads but as people.
The results showed that the dads experienced both positive emotions, like joy and happiness, and negative ones, like sadness and disappointment, during pregnancy and early childhood. They felt supported by their social networks, such as family, fatherhood program staff, and other dads, which helped them with parenting. However, they also felt pushed aside by systemic issues, like negative stereotypes and the high incarceration rates of Black fathers.
Lead author Joyce Lee, OSU assistant professor of social work, said, “In particular, positive experiences and emotions of fatherhood need to be more readily reflected in the images and narratives of media, as well as other areas of American society (e.g., government, academia, health services).”
Another finding revealed that the dads’ negative emotions often motivated them to stay involved in their children’s lives and to make positive changes. They also used creative ways to cope with their feelings.
The researchers highlighted the role of healthcare professionals who can engage in father-inclusive practices. For example, they can invite expectant dads to share their thoughts and feelings about childbirth and parenting.
Journal Reference:
- Joyce Y. Lee, Shawna J. Lee, Olivia D. Chang, Analia F. Albuja, Muzi Lin, Brenda L. Volling. Low-income fathers are emotionally resilient: A qualitative exploration of paternal emotions across early parenting. The Infant Mental Health Journal. DOI: 10.1002/imhj.22136