Values and priorities changing for Welsh dads

Welsh fathers' attitudes to parenting are changing rapidly according to the latest survey by Home-Start. For the second year running parents attending The National Eisteddfod completed a survey commissioned by the leading family support charity. The results have been released in the run up to Father's Day.

The 2005 survey showed that whilst the roles of dads and grandparents were significantly important in the raising of children, it was mums who carried the burden of responsibility.

However the latest results from 2006 shows dads' attitudes towards parenthood are changing. Since becoming parents, dads say that their whole outlook on life has changed.

When asked what had changed since becoming a parent, the main findings were:

• More dads felt that they had an increased sense of responsibility, up by 7% from the previous year's straw poll.
• Fathers wanted to take the role of being a parent seriously, they were concerned about being seen as a 'proper' father, an increase from last year's results of 11%
• Dads felt that although they had given up their social life and a lot of their old friends, they had gained much more by becoming a parent. These results had not changed from last year.
• Many fathers felt that although they no longer had the time or the money to go to the pub and socialise, the activities that they carried out with their children were far more fulfilling, an increase of 18% from the 2005 poll.

When asked in 2006 what made dads happy the main findings were:

• 'Seeing my child happy, makes me happy'.
• Many dads said 'spending time with my child'.
• 'Seeing my child learn through the Welsh language' (and helping them learn).
• 'Pride at becoming a parent and being proud of my child'.

The 2006 straw poll also highlighted two new responses from dads that were not seen in the previous year's survey. Firstly, they felt that their attitudes towards other children had changed since becoming a parent themselves. Secondly fathers felt that there were not enough Welsh-speaking childcare places.

Sara Vaughan, director for Home-Start in Wales said, "It is interesting to see this change from the results of our straw poll. While the bulk of our work is with mothers, we can support anyone who is a parent. We have seen an increasing number of fathers coming forward for support, and we now also have some fathers volunteering to support other parents at home."

The survey also looked at the changing attitudes of grandparents and children. Full results for 2005 and 2006 can be read at www.home-start.org.uk/news

Home-Start runs a network of parent volunteers across Wales who provide support to families who are struggling to cope. Volunteers offer non-judgemental support and friendship to families with at least one child under the age of five.

Parents interested in volunteering or anyone with professional skills who is interested in finding out more about being a Home-Start trustee should ring free on 0800 068 63 68 or can find our more by visiting www.home-start.org.uk or www.home-start.org.uk/cymraeg

ENDS

Media Enquiries
Joanne McLeish - Press and Public Relations Officer 0870 220 6712 jmcleish@home-start.org.uk

Sara Vaughan - Director of Home- Start in Wales 02920 491181 svaughan@home-start.org.uk

Notes to Editor

• The survey was a straw poll carried out from 5^th-12^th August 2006. The survey asked two questions- what has changed and what makes you happy since becoming a parent? 185 people responded.

• Home- Start volunteers give informal and non- judgemental support for families with young children, providing a lifeline to thousands of parents and children in more than 22 communities in Wales. Support is free and confidential.

• Last year, Home- Start's 1,176 volunteers helped 2,172 families and 4,402 children in Wales.

• Home- Start's unique home visiting system helps families in situations as varied as bereavement, isolation, disability or illness in parents and children, multiple births and much more.

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