Research linking paternal mental health to children

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Welcome to the very first episode of Dad Tired Daily — a short, intentional daily reset designed to help men tend their inner world so they can show up more healed for their families, work, and communities.

In this episode, Jerrad introduces the heart behind Dad Tired Daily and explores an often-overlooked reality: while much attention has (rightly) been given to a mother’s mental load, many fathers are quietly carrying deep emotional strain with little language or support.

Drawing from recent research, real-world stories, and Scripture, this episode invites dads to stop carrying heavy things alone — and to begin practicing simple inner hygiene, daily care for the soul.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode
Why fathers often carry mental and emotional strain in silence
The cultural stigma that keeps men from talking about mental health
A real story illustrating the hidden cost of untreated distress in men
Why Scripture invites us to bring what’s hidden into the light
Research showing how a father’s mental health impacts his children
One small, practical step you can take today to show up more healed

Scripture Referenced
Hebrews 4:12–13 (ESV)
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword… and no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”

Today’s Inner Hygiene Practice
Ask yourself:
What is one thing I’m carrying today that I haven’t told anyone about?
Reach out to one trusted friend and say something simple like:
“I’m not looking for advice — I just need to say this out loud.”
Bringing something into the light often reduces its power — and reminds us we’re not meant to carry things alone.

Why This Matters
Research increasingly shows that a father’s mental and emotional health has a direct impact on his children — even before birth. Unaddressed stress, depression, or emotional dysregulation in fathers is associated with challenges in children’s emotional regulation, social skills, cognitive development, and overall well-being.
Strong families don’t begin with perfect dads — they begin with healed men willing to tend their inner world.

Referenced Research & Reporting
JAMA Pediatrics (2024) — Meta-analysis of 84 studies showing associations between paternal mental distress around pregnancy/postpartum and poorer social-emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development in children.
Hutchinson et al., Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics.
Pacific Clinics — Reporting on paternal mental health, noting that nearly half of men experiencing mental health challenges never speak to anyone about it, and highlighting higher suicide rates among men.
The 74 Million — Coverage on how paternal stress and mental health influence child development and family systems.
News reporting on professional athletes and paternal suicide — Illustrating how many men struggle silently, even those closest to us never knew they were in pain.