Child Caregiving by First-Time Fathers

Abstract

Abstract This article examines the family unit in transition. It explores participation in childrearing by the father, who traditionally has played a lesser role. The authors conducted a secondary analysis of data from a larger longitudinal study, the purpose of which was to understand and describe the male experience of expectant and new parenthood, and men's caring needs over the perinatal period. Data from a portion (n = 25) of the larger cohort were analyzed. Each father was interviewed up to seven times during the critical periods from early pregnancy to 12 months postpartum. Data analysis generated a substantive theory describing the projected range and level of paternal caregiving. Three core categories conceptualized the fathers’ experience: how the power of the child reframes reality for first‐time fathers; intrapersonal factors that influence paternal involvement; and interpersonal factors that influence paternal involvement. The authors suggest that more fathers would become involved caregivers...