8 dads tell their stories

Fathers are much more important for a child's development than long assumed. According to father researchers. Good fathers comfort, good fathers play - good fathers care. Say fatherhood experts. But how do fathers see themselves? How do they manage to reconcile work and family life? And what do they attach particular importance to when bringing up their children? 2000 fathers from all over German-speaking Switzerland took part in the online survey and some of the answers surprised even the experts:

• Three out of four fathers play a supportive and responsible role in bringing up their children.
• Two out of three fathers feel overwhelmed and helpless in their role as a father at times.
• Every third father surveyed regrets having children occasionally or more often.

You can find all the results of the Fathers' Barometer in the Fathers' Barometer:

Read all the results of the paternity barometer.

In addition to the quantitative online survey, a qualitative survey took place in the form of a discussion round with a focus group of 8 fathers. The qualitative survey by the University of Basel, led by masculinity researcher Diana Baumgarten, shows how the role of the father has developed over time.

Read the 12 most exciting statements from the focus group here:

The eight fathers were interviewed anonymously on these topics and these are the most important conclusions:

Roles & responsibilities
Fluid boundaries are more common than a clear division of roles and responsibilities.

In many households, fathers and mothers take it in turns to look after different tasks and often refrain from precisely defining areas of responsibility, as this is seen as overrated and not realistic enough. In many households, the main financial responsibility lies with the fathers, but mixed models with fathers and mothers working part-time and fathers caring predominantly are increasingly favoured.

Work-life balance
Despite a good work-life balance overall, there is never quite enough time with the children.

Even if the compatibility of work and private life through targeted «family time» is rated positively overall, the time factor is practically always a scarce commodity for fathers. Especially during the week, long working hours or unforeseen tasks often result in less time with the children. This is usually regretted: Fathers who work full-time in particular often wish they had more time with their children.

Parenting style & role models
Openness, empathy and trust are the cornerstones of paternal parenting.

Strengthening children's independence in pursuing their own goals and always treating parents, siblings and other children with respect are important concerns for fathers in the context of parenting. Parents who remain calm even in difficult situations, maintain clear but caring communication and focus on teamwork are exemplary: Everyone has to play their part in making a family work well.

Conflicts & challenges
Conflict situations occur regularly and usually concern typical everyday issues.

Even if conflicts between fathers and mothers occur more frequently, they usually concern everyday issues that can be clarified in a joint discussion (holiday planning, clothing style, etc.). The feeling of being overwhelmed is more situational than fundamental and can be alleviated by spending time alone («taking a breather»). Even if their own concerns take a back seat: The fathers feel generally comfortable in their role.

Source: Opinion research institute Innofact AG, Zurich.