Despite a growing desire for equal childcare responsibilities among parents, societal norms and systemic barriers continue to hinder fathers’ full participation in raising their children. While many fathers express a willingness to be more involved, they encounter obstacles in policy, the workplace, healthcare, and social circles.

The persistent expectation that mothers are the primary caregivers remains a significant challenge. This norm, deeply rooted in society, undervalues caregiving compared to paid work and associates it with femininity.

Limited paternity leave in the Netherlands, compared to other European countries, restricts fathers’ presence during the crucial early months of a child’s life. Mothers receive 16 weeks of paid leave, while fathers only get one week fully paid and five weeks at 70 percent of their salary.

Workplace cultures often fail to encourage fathers to combine work and care. Employers tend to focus on mothers regarding leave and parent-friendly policies, while fathers may feel pressured to prioritize full-time work due to perceived disapproval from colleagues and supervisors.

Fathers also report feeling marginalized by healthcare professionals, who predominantly engage with mothers. This lack of engagement reinforces the notion that fathers are less important in raising children.

Social circles, including family and friends, often reinforce traditional gender roles, assuming mothers are the primary caregivers. Additionally, men may feel pressure to earn more than their partners, leading them to prioritize work over childcare.

To achieve truly equal father involvement, a systemic shift is necessary. This includes implementing equal leave rights, fostering father-friendly HR policies, and ensuring healthcare professionals actively involve fathers from the outset. Raising awareness of unconscious biases and challenging traditional role patterns within social interactions is also crucial for fostering meaningful change.