In this study, I analyzed fathers’ personal experiences of their role during early childhood and explored their perspectives on parenting and caregiving, balancing professional obligations with family life, and their experiences of support during the transition to fatherhood. The non-probability convenience sample included 10 fathers with children aged between one and five years, who participated in in-depth interviews. The findings reveal that fathers perceive their role as multidimensional, encompassing financial provision, caregiving, child-rearing, and supporting their partner. Additionally, the results show that fatherhood brings significant changes to relationships: while partnerships often face challenges such as lack of couple time and feelings of being overwhelmed, relationships with extended family members (e.g., grandparents) generally improve, whereas friendships tend to diminish. The study also highlights key challenges of fatherhood, including the dual role of being both a provider and a nurturing parent, feelings of being excluded from the mother-child bond, and a perceived lack of personal freedom. A vital source of support during the transition to fatherhood is the extended family, particularly grandparents, who provide practical assistance. Participants also emphasized the helpful role of visiting nurses, who offer guidance on early childcare practices. Based on these findings, I propose raising awareness about the importance of fathers’ roles and their mental health, while creating opportunities for further exploration of new fatherhood.
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