The identity shift no one talks about with fatherhood

When you announce that you are going to become a father, much of the conversations revolve around a lack of sleep, changing nappies, and having no time. Whilst these things are true and important to manage, there is something that’s never spoken about that is arguably the most important consideration we should have. Psychologists describe becoming a father as an identity transition. It’s one of life’s major turning points. You don’t just take on the responsibilities of a dad. You start to see things differently, and that can feel quite unsettling, lonely, and lead to more questions.

Many new fathers describe feeling a little lost, a foggy discrepancy between who they were before fatherhood and who they become in fatherhood. This impacts their relationships, careers, hobbies, and mental health. Often, the uncertainty that comes with not quite understanding the shifts can leave fathers wondering whether they are doing enough. Whether they are ‘good’ dads or why being a dad doesn’t come natural to them. Research consistently shows this tension is common during the transition to fatherhood . Many men report feeling pressure to succeed at work while also wanting to be deeply involved at home.

Nobody teaches dads how to navigate this. Many fathers say they felt overlooked during the transition to parenthood. That’s one of the reasons One Dad to Another exists. Modern dads are invovled more than ever, with research suggesting that dads…..