Ten Types of Fathers You’ll Meet When You Become A Parent
You’re bound to come across one or more dad archetypes on your parenting journey, whether you’re a dad new to the role or a mother who is just glad she’s not married to a 1950s dad. Like motherhood, fatherhood comes in a variety of flavors. The ways dads approach parenting are as diverse as dads themselves.
Some dads take their role as parents very seriously, while others…well, maybe not. These ten dad personas can be found in baby groups and playgrounds everywhere, along with tantrums and juice spills.
Here’s an entertaining (and true) breakdown on the different types of fathers you may encounter — or perhaps already know.
1. Just-the-Stats Dad
This dad is obsessed with numbers. He obsesses over every detail of his child’s development, including length, weight,t and percentile ranking, the number of feeds he has given, the last check-up’s weight, head circumference, sleep cycles, and number of naps.
This dad will fill in any chart, update a tracking application, or measure a milestone. This dad proudly has a spreadsheet on his phone with graphs to make any statistician jealous.
What is the only thing that he doesn’t like? Hands-on activities. He won’t be changing nappies or bathing in a rush unless numbers are involved. He will often begin his conversations with “Did You Know that the average baby weighs X Kilograms at 6 months?” and finish with a detailed breakdown on growth percentile charts.
Just-the-Stats dads are usually very knowledgeable, but you may want them to just put the clipboard down and hold the baby.
2. The Hands-On Dad
This guy would win the gold medal at Dadad Olympics. Every moment, Hands-on dad is there. He is the one who straps the baby carrier to his chest and rocks the baby with patience. He also mixes formula with precision or purees homemade pumpkin.
He changes nappies with the precision and care of a scientist, measuring out how much Curash to use. Wiping with clinical attention is his way. This dad is not only present, he is in. He embraces all aspects of parenting. Mums often wonder if he is a secret superhero.
Hands-On Dad is your go-to man when you need childcare help or a little break. He is proud to be involved in the details and has no shame about being a ‘nappy changing dad’.
3. The Look-At-The-Baby-No-Look-At-The-Bicep Dad
This dad is a familiar face on social media, especially Instagram and Facebook. Each photo of his child is carefully posed so that his muscles are visible. He holds his baby just so, often shirtless or wearing a sleeveless blouse.
It’s like the baby was a prop to his flex and not the other way round. The captions often boast how “strong” daddy is or that his baby “lifts weights already.”
These dads don’t care about weight; they just want to look good. These dads take great pride in their parenting as well as their physique, often at the same time. Who are we to judge if those muscles make diaper changes cooler?
4. The Dad Who Isn’t Used to Casuals
The dad’s wardrobe reflects his newfound experience in the messy world of parenting. He’s used suits, ties, and polished shoes, but now he has to play soccer on the playground? Cue a fashion disaster.
The first time he tries to dress casually as a parent, he might wear a stiff collared shirt, Bermuda shorts, and boat shoes with no socks. He’s probably not aware that parenting involves dealing with dirt and spills.
The majority of men find their style eventually — sneakers, jeans, and tees, which can withstand a toddler’s tornado — but the Not-Used-to-Casuals Dad has yet to figure it out. He might be seen awkwardly sidestepping through mud puddles or holding his child back from “dangerous” activities. It’s not that he doesn’t mean well, but it takes a few children to understand the chaos of parenting.
5. The Visible-Parenting Father
When it is his turn to be a parent, this dad will let everyone know.
Visible-Parenting dad is proud to pack perfectly portioned snack food into separate containers. All snacks are divided according to the food groups. He will engage in a lively conversation with children at the playground to show that he is an involved dad.
He’s at least trying. This dad can be overly prepared, overly enthusiastic, but he is always present.
6. The 1950s Dad
Ah, the 1950s dad. This is an old-fashioned dad who thinks parenting is the “work of women” and his job is to relax after work and let “Mummy” take care of the baby.
He may still refer to his wife as “Mummy”, instead of calling her by name. And he might only take the child reluctantly, usually because he doesn’t want to be involved, but because it is crying too loudly. He always has the same excuse: “She is so much better at it than I am.”
This dad type, while rarer now, still lurks at family events, out of his element and unwilling to learn.
7. Jamie Oliver’s Dad
Dads can feel helpless during the newborn phase. The baby is fragile and mums are often tired. Jamie OliOliver’sd has found his niche: feeding mum.
He is the gourmet chef for the baby phase. He prepares elaborate, nutritious meals to keep Mum energized and help her recover. He’s all for nourishing his family, whether it’s with slow-cooked stews or smoothies full of superfoods.
The dad’s cooking skills are appreciated, even if he doesn’t clean up every pot afterwards. A well-fed mother is a happy mother, and everyone benefits from that.
8. The “Do-You-Want-To-See-A-Photo-Of-My-Baby?” Dad
This dad is the one who will always show you a picture of his child, regardless of the situation. You bumped trolleys while in line at the supermarket. His first words were: “I have a five-month-old baby. Isn’t it gorgeous?”
The screensaver on his phone is always in your peripheral view, filled with baby selfies and pictures of the family. It’s great that he is proud of his child, but it can be a bit overwhelming for others who may not share the same excitement for other people’s babies.
9. The Single Dad with Kids as Props
This dad has returned to the dating scene, and his children have become part of his “package” deal. He does this sometimes to attract women who are interested in “sensitive, responsible men.”
He is always talking about his children, posting tons of photos in dating profiles, and using the title “dad” as a selling point.
Although the intention is usually genuine, it may be off-putting to potential partners who already have children and do not want to hear about someone else’s life as a parent on the first date.
10. The Photo-Ops Father
A cousin of the “Look-At-The-Baby-No-Look-At-The-Bicep” Dad, this guy uses his kid as a prop for hilarious and staged photo opportunities.
Imagine baby sunglasses, fake beer bottles, silly costumes, or the baby “giving a finger” (all of which are “just jokes”).
The dads who post these meme-like photos on social media get a lot of likes and comments. Even though it may be all in fun, you suspect that the real parenting — such as diaper changes or bedtime fights — is mostly done by others.
Why is it Important to recognize these Dad Types?
There is no manual for parenting that fits all. These types of fathers can help parents learn about themselves, gain insight from others, and have fun with the chaos.
Each dad has his unique style of showing love and caring, even if it may seem strange to some. These dads remind us that parenting can be as varied as the families they create.
What Type are You?
Are you a stats fanatic? Are you the hands-on superhero? The pro at photo-ops? Maybe a mixture of all three?
It’s not about trying to fit into a mold. It’s about showing, doing your best, and learning along the way. If you can laugh at yourself, half the battle is won.
Conclusion
There are many different types of dads. In today’s society, it takes a variety of dads to raise children. You may laugh at the dad who is visible parenting and his perfectly portioned snack or shake your head at the dad from the 1950s for not wanting to change the nappy. But remember, parenting is messy, flawed, and priceless.
As you travel with these dads, keep in mind that behind each stereotype lies a person who is doing their best. And sometimes, that’s the most anyone can hope for.
Let me know if you liked it! I’m happy to help you with parenting humor, new dad tips, or advice on how parents and kids can work together.
