Emotional Journey of Fatherhood: Beyond Financial Responsibility

About Richu Elin Abraham (Author)

Richu Elin Abraham is a counselling psychologist specialising in mental health support for pregnant women and new mothers. She helps women navigate the emotional and psychological challenges of pregnancy and early motherhood, including stress, anxiety, and postpartum adjustments. Through personalised counselling, she creates a safe space for mothers to express their concerns, develop coping strategies, and build resilience. Her goal is to empower and support them as they transition into motherhood with confidence and well-being.

Fatherhood today goes far beyond financial responsibility. Modern fathers play an active emotional role in parenting, shaping their child’s mental health, self-esteem, and emotional security. This article explores the emotional side of fatherhood, the evolving role of fathers in parenting, father-child bonding, and the unique challenges faced by Indian fathers—especially first-time dads—while offering practical guidance and mental health resources.

• How Has the Role of Fathers in Parenting Changed?
• What Is the Emotional Side of Fatherhood?
• Why Do Many Fathers Struggle Silently?
• How Does Father and Child Bonding Shape Emotional Health?
• What Makes a Good Father Today?
• First-Time Father Tips for Emotional Well-Being
• Why Talking About Fatherhood Matters in India
• Mental Health Support for Fathers in India
• Key Takeaways
• FAQs on Fatherhood & Emotional Life
• Message from SuperBottoms
• References
  

How Has the Role of Fathers in Parenting Changed?

The responsibilities of a father have evolved far beyond being the primary financial provider. Today, fathers are co-nurturers, emotional anchors, caregivers, and role models actively involved in their children’s daily lives.

This shift benefits not only children but fathers themselves. The fatherhood journey becomes a process of emotional growth—one that encourages vulnerability, deeper connection, and self-reflection. Modern parenting research increasingly recognises that emotionally involved fathers contribute to healthier family dynamics and stronger emotional foundations for children.

What Is the Emotional Side of Fatherhood?

The emotional side of fatherhood includes joy, anxiety, pride, fear, self-doubt, and emotional growth, especially during early parenting and life transitions.

Becoming a father often triggers a powerful emotional shift. Many fathers experience a complex mix of feelings—happiness and pride alongside anxiety, fear, guilt, and uncertainty.

Common internal questions include:

• “Am I doing enough?”
• “What makes a good father?”
• “How do I balance work and parenting?”

For first-time fathers, these emotions can feel overwhelming. A study conducted in India found that 28.8% of fathers experience moderate postpartum depression, while 7.6% show severe symptoms (Kumar et al., 2023). Despite this, emotional struggles in men often remain unspoken.

Why Do Many Fathers Struggle Silently?

Expert Insight

“I felt like I had to be the strong one… even while breaking inside.” — Luke, featured in Invisible – Fathers’ Mental Health Film

The documentary “Invisible – Fathers’ Mental Health Film” by the Institute of Health Visiting (UK) offers a rare, honest look into fathers’ emotional lives. Through real interviews, it highlights how many dads feel unseen, unsupported, and emotionally isolated during early parenthood.

The film urges families, healthcare providers, and society to acknowledge that the emotional side of fatherhood deserves the same attention as practical caregiving (Institute of Health Visiting, 2023).

How Does Father and Child Bonding Shape Emotional Health?

Father and child bonding strengthens emotional security, resilience, self-esteem, and long-term mental health for both the child and the father.

Father and child bonding begin earlier than many realise. Skin-to-skin contact, soothing a crying baby, bedtime stories, or simply being emotionally present all help build trust and emotional safety.

Research from Kerala shows that active father involvement has a direct positive impact on adolescent mental health, emotional regulation, and self-esteem (Rajan & Thomas, 2022). Children benefit emotionally, and fathers report improved emotional well-being and life satisfaction.

Bonding isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about consistency and presence.

What Makes a Good Father Today?

There’s no universal formula, but counselling research and family psychology consistently highlight these traits:

• Emotional availability
• Consistency and reliability
• Empathy and active listening
• Self-awareness
• Adaptability during changing family needs

A good father is not perfect. He is present, willing to grow, and open to learning—both about his child and himself.

First-Time Father Tips for Emotional Well-Being

First-time fathers benefit most from emotional openness, shared learning, bonding rituals, and early support.

If you’re stepping into fatherhood for the first time, consider these practical tips:

1. Talk about your feelings with your partner, a trusted friend, or a therapist.
2. Learn together by attending prenatal classes or reading parenting resources.
3. Be patient with yourself—mistakes are part of the growth process.
4. Create bonding rituals like walks, bath time, or bedtime stories.
5. Seek support early, emotionally and practically.

The fatherhood journey is not a race—it’s a relationship.

Why Talking About Fatherhood Matters in India

In India, conversations around men’s mental health—and especially fathers’ emotional well-being—are still emerging. Between 2020 and 2024, more than 19,750 men contacted mental health helplines, many of them new fathers navigating emotional stress (Mpower, 2025).

Social stigma often prevents fathers from seeking timely help. Yet, acknowledging the emotional side of fatherhood can transform families. When fathers feel supported, they engage more deeply, communicate better, and create emotionally secure homes.

Mental Health Support for Fathers in India

If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally during fatherhood, support is available:

• Tele MANAS (Government of India): 14416 or 1800-891-4416 (24/7, multilingual)
• Vandrevala Foundation: +91 9999 666 555 (Call/WhatsApp, 24/7)
• AASRA: +91 98204 66726 (24/7)
• Jeevan Aastha Helpline: 1800 233 3330 (24/7)
• iCall (TISS): +91 9152987821 (Confidential counselling)

Key Takeaways

1. The role of fathers in parenting now includes emotional nurturing, not just financial responsibility.
2. Emotional challenges in fatherhood are common—and support can make a lasting difference.
3. Strong father and child bonding benefits both mental health and long-term family well-being.

FAQs: Fatherhood & Emotional Life

Q1: Is it normal to feel anxious or overwhelmed as a new father?

Yes. Emotional shifts are common, especially during the early parenting years. Seeking support early can prevent long-term stress.

Q2: How does fatherhood change emotional life?

Fatherhood deepens empathy, challenges old beliefs, and often brings unresolved emotions to the surface. It’s a process of emotional growth.

Q3: How can working fathers bond with their child?

Quality matters more than quantity. Even 15 minutes of focused daily interaction can build strong bonds.

Q4: What if I don’t feel connected to my child immediately?

That’s normal. Bonding takes time. Keep showing up consistently.

Q5: Can therapy help fathers?

Absolutely. Therapy provides a safe space to explore emotions and build emotional resilience.

Q6: What makes a good father emotionally?

Presence, empathy, emotional honesty, and willingness to grow.

Q7: Are fathers’ mental health struggles common in India?

Yes, but under-reported due to stigma. Awareness and support are improving.

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References

• Institute of Health Visiting. (2023). Invisible – Fathers’ Mental Health Film.
• Vandrevala Foundation. (2025). Mental Health Helpline.
• Tele MANAS. (2025). Government of India Mental Health Helpline.