Fatherhood in Transition: Men Finding their Feet as Fathers

Abstract

This paper discusses findings from a study conducted in Melbourne in 1990–91 which investigated men's perceptions of their experience of fatherhood. Forty volunteer fathers participated in ongoing discussion groups which convened weekly for two hours over seven weeks. Group processes similar to those used in parent education were utilised to facilitate discussion and to explore issues which these men identified as significant and meaningful to them in their roles as fathers. Findings relating to these fathers’ perceptions of being a father, role expectations, participation in child rearing, the issue of work and family, and relationships with children are presented. The implications of these findings for children's services providers, teachers, and family educators are discussed.