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One in four dads say fatherhood has made them more empathetic, patient and understanding

One in four dads say fatherhood has made them more empathetic, patient and understanding

New research reveals how becoming a dad is changing men's lives, relationships and emotional wellbeing.

girl and dad having a pretend tea party

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Ruairidh Pritchard

Published: June 12, 2026 at 1:45 PM

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Fatherhood is having a positive impact on many men across the UK, with new research finding that becoming a dad is helping them feel more fulfilled, emotionally aware and connected.

The study, commissioned by greetings card marketplace thortful ahead of Father's Day, surveyed 1,002 people and explored how parenthood is shaping modern fatherhood. It comes at a time when more dads are taking an active role in raising children, with figures from the Office for National Statistics showing a rise in lone fathers in recent years.

From feeling more patient and understanding to building stronger family relationships, the findings offer an insight into how becoming a parent is changing men's lives.

Almost half of dads say fatherhood has made them feel more fulfilled

For many fathers, having children has brought a greater sense of purpose and meaning.

According to the research, almost half of UK men (48%) say they feel more fulfilled since becoming a parent, while 30% say fatherhood has given them more structure and stability in their lives.

A quarter (25%) said they wanted to become a father because they were looking for a deeper connection in life, suggesting that emotional fulfilment is a key motivation for many men starting a family.

Fatherhood is helping some men become more emotionally aware

The research found that 26% of men believe they have become more empathetic, understanding and patient since having children.

Meanwhile, 12% say their health has improved since becoming a parent.

The findings also suggest that today's dads are often striving to be more emotionally present than previous generations. Nearly one in five fathers (19%) said they wanted children because they hoped to build the father-child relationship they never experienced themselves.

Many reported wanting to spend more quality time with their children, communicate more openly, express affection more frequently and place a greater emphasis on emotional wellbeing.

Why do men want to become fathers?

For some men, becoming a dad has been a lifelong ambition.

51% said they have always wanted to create a family and a legacy
21% said fatherhood was something they had wanted since childhood
30% said having children felt like the natural next step in their relationship
17% wanted to give their partner the family they hoped for
16% said they wanted children to help them mature emotionally
14% hoped parenthood would help calm their lifestyle
7% said social pressure played a role in their decision

The findings highlight the wide range of reasons men choose to become parents, from personal growth to family aspirations.

Many dads feel more involved than previous generations

Parenting expectations are continuing to evolve, and many fathers feel they are taking on a more active role than the dads who came before them.

The study found that 41% of fathers believe they need to be more involved in raising their children compared with previous generations.

This reflects a broader shift towards hands-on parenting, with fathers increasingly sharing caregiving responsibilities and spending more time with their children.

Not every dad finds the transition easy

While the overall picture is positive, the research also highlights some of the challenges fathers can face.

Nearly one in 10 dads (9%) said they feel they have lost their social life since having children, while 7% reported that life feels more chaotic and that stress has negatively affected their mental health.

A spokesperson for thortful said: "Whilst many fathers describe parenthood as one of the most fulfilling experiences of their lives, it’s important to acknowledge that not everyone finds it easy all of the time. Talking openly with trusted friends, family members or a partner can make a significant difference. Many fathers also benefit from joining parenting groups, local dad communities or online support networks where they can connect with people facing similar experiences, including organisations such as Dad Matters, Family Lives, Fathers Network Scotland and Hub of Hope."

How strong are father-child relationships today?

The research suggests that many dads feel confident about their relationships with their children, but not everyone finds bonding straightforward.

56% said their bond with their children has always been great
18% said they love each other but rarely talk about their feelings
13% said they are struggling to connect with their children
5% said they are too busy to focus on improving their relationship

As Father's Day approaches, the findings offer a snapshot of modern fatherhood in the UK, showing both the rewards and the realities of raising children.

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Authors

Ruairidh PritchardDigital Growth Lead

Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.