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Commentary

Commentary: It’s time for dads to rise up

Fathers are often seen as mums’ assistants in caring for children. Help us do more, says Dr Xander Ong, CEO at Centre for Fathering.

Commentary: It’s time for dads to rise up

File photo. While traditional parenting roles once dictated that mothers are the primary caregivers, there is a growing recognition of the essential role fathers play in child-raising. (Photo: iStock/Edwin Tan)

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SINGAPORE: My son was born last year. I struggled during the early days; my arms, back and shoulders ached from frequently carrying him during naptime. Over time, as I grew daddy muscles and bonded with him, I would look forward to our morning walks, and other times with him held to my chest or back in a baby carrier specially bought for “daddy time”.

Today’s fathers are more involved than ever. While traditional parenting roles once dictated mothers as the primary caregivers, there is a growing recognition of the essential role fathers play in child-raising.

In the last Marriage and Parenthood Survey, the proportion of those who felt that mothers should ideally take care of their children full-time fell to 24 per cent in 2021 from 40 per cent in 2016 for single respondents, and to 40 per cent from 56 per cent in 2016 for married respondents.

This shows that fathers can, and want to, play a greater role at home.

Source: CNA/aj
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