More Than Breadwinners: The Mental Health of Working Fathers
Jun 26, 2024
auto_awesome
Professor Brad Harrington and former TV anchor Liam Martin discuss the mental health struggles of working fathers, highlighting the lack of support and societal expectations. They share personal stories of balancing work and family life, managing role conflict, and prioritizing mental health. The podcast explores the challenges faced by working dads in maintaining a healthy work-life balance and the importance of open communication and support from partners.
Expectations for fathers have shifted to emphasize being engaged parents, challenging traditional stereotypes.
Many working fathers experience role conflict between family and career, impacting mental health and life satisfaction.
Deep dives
Changing Expectations for Fathers
Traditional fatherhood stereotypes are evolving to include more engaged and present dads. Over the years, societal acceptance of fathers has expanded beyond just being breadwinners. Advertisements and media portrayals are shifting to emphasize fathers as nurturing and involved caretakers. Expectations for fathers now include being engaged parents, leading to a positive change in perceptions.
Challenges of Conflicted Dads
Men face conflicting pressures as they are expected to excel at work while being actively engaged at home. The concept of conflicted fathers, torn between career responsibilities and active fatherhood roles, is highlighted. These conflicted dads often struggle with balancing work and family, leading to lower life and career satisfaction compared to other fatherhood roles.
Navigating Mental Health and Work Priorities
Liam Martin's experience as a TV anchor reflects the challenges of balancing a demanding career with mental health and family priorities. His decision to prioritize mental well-being over a high-powered career showcases the importance of setting boundaries. Open communication and vulnerability play key roles in addressing mental health struggles and seeking support from partners.
Strategies for Managing Conflicts
To cope with conflicting roles and achieve work-life balance, individuals can block out time for important priorities, establish routines that align with personal values, and practice self-reflection. Accepting imperfection, avoiding overwork, and communicating openly with partners are crucial for managing conflicts effectively. Recognizing triggers and finding mutual support are essential for navigating challenges in personal and professional life.
Just as working mothers increasingly feel pressure from all sides to achieve and be the best family members possible, expectations for fathers have shifted in recent years. But professor Brad Harrington and former TV anchor Liam Martin argue that the ecosystem of support for working fathers hasn’t been formed in the same it has for women. Brad’s research shows that working fathers increasingly feel conflicted about where they should spend their time, and how to manage the expectations society puts on them while balancing their own mental health. Liam shares his own personal story of recently leaving his job to protect his mental health and family’s quality of life. Like many of us, Liam hid his struggles and avoided asking for help. Many people manage "role conflict" - the struggle between being present for family and the need to be successful professionally, which can impact mental health.
Read Liam’s story of why he walked away from his job: https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2024/04/07/liam-martin-fatherhood/
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode