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voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
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Fathers Network Scotland: Journey Into Fatherhood Survey Report
Created: 16/02/2026
News/Events Category: Children and Families
How do dads navigate the journey into fatherhood, and what would make that transition easier? 440 dads from across Scotland shared their experiences of becoming a dad.
This new report brings together these fresh insights alongside findings from Fathers Network Scotland's 2024 Time with Dad report to provide one of the most comprehensive pictures yet of what fatherhood looks like for Scottish dads today.
By exploring how dads navigate this transition and what would make it easier, the report highlights the challenges they face, where they look for support, and the systemic changes they want to see.
Shaped by the voices of dads themselves, these findings reveal the real experiences of new fathers and spotlight the practical support they need to thrive in their role.
Key findings
- 75% of dads took two weeks or less of leave (the minimum statutory duration provided), while 78% of dads felt the paternity leave they received did not give them enough time to bond with their baby or support their partner
- 90% of dads who took the statutory two weeks or less reported not having enough time, compared to only 23% of those who took six weeks or more
- 2/3 of fathers felt they lacked the information needed to personally cope with the transition into fatherhood
- 65% wished they had more information on state-funded/private childcare
- 61% wished they had more information on how to care for their child
- The vast majority of dads (68%) turn to their partner for advice on caring for their newborn
- Almost half (45%) of dads turn to their partner for advice and support on how to cope with their transition into fatherhood
- 44% of dads identified “playing” as their favourite activity
- Outdoor engagement was especially popular, with 73% of all fathers favouring time spent outside
Click here to read the full report.
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