'People Are Suspicious of Us': A Critical Examination of Father Primary Carers and English Early Childhood Services

Positive father involvement and investment in the early years is of importance for children's later emotional, cognitive and social well-being. This article critically examines the multiple motivations and barriers experienced by the growing number of father primary carers. The small-scale research study presented suggests that for a "positive culture shift" towards fathers in the UK to occur, early childhood services need to question the extent to which they are "father friendly". Research suggests that policy initiatives such as a "Daddy month" (found in Canada and most Nordic countries) may encourage much needed attitudinal shifts towards fathers by legitimizing their caring activities. Other initiatives that encourage father primary carers in their role may include the recruitment of professional male early childhood workers. (Contains 4 notes.)