Since 2024, there’s been a 13% increase in lone father’s being single parents, with more dads taking on an active role in raising children.
In fact, new research by greetings card marketplace thortful found that 41% of fathers in the UK feel they have to be more involved in raising their children compared to previous generations.
As Father’s Day is today, the study also looks into why men want to become fathers in the first place, the impact it’s had on their life and the bond with their children.
With a quarter (25%) of men claiming they wanted to become a father to have a deeper connection in life, it’s clear that the positive effects have taken rewarded dads across the UK. Almost half (48%) say they feel a lot more fulfilled since having children and almost a third (30%) admit that parenthood has given them much needed structure and stability. On an emotional level, more than a quarter (26%) say they are more empathetic, understanding and patient, whilst 12% even claim their health has improved.
Although parenthood has improved the mindset for the majority of men, some are still adapting to the lifestyle change. 9% feel like they’ve lost their social life, 7% claim their life is more chaotic and therefore their mental health has declined because of stress.
A spokesperson from thortful adds “Whilst many fathers describe parenthood as one of the most fulfilling experiences of their lives, it’s important to acknowledge that not everyone finds it easy all of the time. Talking openly with trusted friends, family members or a partner can make a significant difference. Many fathers also benefit from joining parenting groups, local dad communities or online support networks where they can connect with people facing similar experiences, including organisations such as Dad Matters, Family Lives, Fathers Network Scotland and Hub of Hope.
What were the main reasons UK men wanted to become fathers in the first place?
For more than one in five Brits (21%), being a father was always on the cards since being young, in fact, more than half (51%) have always wanted to create a family and a legacy.
For others, parenthood became the next logical step in life, with 30% admitting it was the next part of their relationship, 17% wanted to give their partner what they wanted and 7% even said it was because social pressures made them give in to having children.
On a personal level, 16% wanted to have children to mature emotionally, and 14% wanted a change to “calm” their lifestyle.
Generational differences are also factored into to new dads, with 19% claiming they wanted to build the father-child relationship they never had. Many want to be more emotionally involved with their kids than their father ever was with them, as modern parents, they aim to; spend more quality time together, encourage more open communication, say ‘I love you’ more and prioritise mental wellbeing.
What are current father-children bonds like for UK fathers?
More than half of UK dads (56%), say their bond with their children has always been great, however for others, it’s a work in progress:
- 18% say the love each other but rarely say how they feel
- 13% are struggling to connect with their children
- 5% are too busy to improve their bond
A spokesperson a thortful concludes: “Our findings serve as a reminder that strong relationships rarely happen automatically. They require time, communication and effort, which is something that many fathers are actively investing in as parenting expectations continue to shift. Continue to show an interest in your children, make the effort to find time for them, show encouragement and seek support from fellow parents, family and friends wherever needed”
- https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/families/bulletins/familiesandhouseholds/2024
- Survey of 1,002 people conducted in June 2026 by TLF, commissioned by thortful.
