Dads Page

If you’re not in the UK, use this list to help you research what’s available where you live.

New dads

• Know your rights: You’re entitled to 2 weeks’ statutory paternity leave in the UK and possibly shared parental leave (SPL). Check your employer’s policy — many offer more than the legal minimum.

• Register the birth: In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland you usually have 42 days (6 weeks); in Scotland it’s 21 days. Both parents’ details can be added if you attend.

• Health support : Health visitors and GPs are there for you too, not just mum and baby. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about feeding, sleep, or your baby’s development.

Ongoing parenting

• School involvement: Attend parents’ evenings, join the school WhatsApp or Class Dojo groups, and show up for sports days and performances when you can – it’s so exciting for your child and helps you get to know their friends/teachers and other parents.

• Work-life balance: UK workplaces are increasingly open to flexible working requests. You can legally apply for this after 26 weeks in a job.

• Mental health: Postnatal depression isn’t just for mums — about 1 in 10 dads experience it. Charities like PANDAS Foundation, Dad Matters, or CALM offer support.

• Dad groups: Many towns now run dads’ playgroups, often on Saturdays. Great for meeting other fathers and giving mums a break.

• Online communities: UK-based forums like Dadsnet or subreddits like r/Daddit can be a good mix of banter and advice.

• Local councils: Children’s centres often run parenting classes, baby first-aid courses, and toddler activities — most are free or low cost.

PANDAS

• ‘Support for Dads and Carers’ section.
• Explains how many dads can struggle mentally and how the charity works to oppose this.
• Does fundraising and support services for fathers.
• Page has stories from other fathers who have undergone counselling or other support with the charity.
• Also signposts to other support for fathers.

CALM is a mental health charity aimed at reducing depression and suicide – great resources and a helpline
Andy’s Mans Club runs men’s groups all over the UK with the same aim. Click on the link to find out more about what they do and groups in your area.

Tommy’s – The Pregnancy and Baby Charity

Section on how Dads can look after their own mental health after their partner gives birth e.g. to avoid postnatal depression for fathers and also support after losing a baby.

Anna Freud Centre

• This ‘supporting dads’ article is short but well organised and emphasises how important it is to give fathers the support they need – potentially more geared towards family/friends of the father.
• Tips/exercises you can do to ensure the father feels appreciated etc.

These are things many single dads face; recognising them can help you work out where to focus effort or get help. Here are some of the common issues single dads may face. As well as all the resources in the general section, we have listed some with specific advice or support for single fathers/parents.

• Financial pressures

• Loneliness and social isolation

• Co-parenting / separation stress

• Mental health strain (commonly burnout, guilt, depression, anxiety)

• Finding parenting resources aimed at or welcoming to dads

• Managing time & responsibilities

Gingerbread

Comprehensive advice & information on child maintenance, benefits, finding work, local groups, mental wellbeing.

NHS page for single parents

Covers practical issues to consider with links to more specific help e.g. about co-parenting.

Single parents

This page cover issues specific to single parents raising teens: family dynamics, discipline, communication, etc.

AmaPapa

Covers mental, physical, emotional, financial health for dads ; encourages and supports co-parenting where possible.

Dads House (London)

Supporting single fathers, their children and families in London with everything from legal advice, food banks and providing items for the home.

Check out our page for parents of teenagers and young adults for lots more general resources.

• Family Lives  A page for both parents on the challenges of parenting teens.
• Youth Mental Health Foundation Free online course and parent support groups (“Power2Parent”) for parents of 8-17 year olds.
• Essential for Parenting Teens: a guide for 10-18 years. This is a US site but most or the information and advice is useful wherever you are e.g. developmental changes, emotional support, peer pressure, how to talk to them about tricky stuff.
• Parenting teens; letting go without feeling left behind Helps parents manage the emotional side of teens. growing more independent — how to adjust as they change, keep connection even as they pull away.
• How dads can stay close to daughters as they grow up
• How to deal with angry teens from Dad Info charity.
• Dad’s Great Advice for Parents of Teens Readers recommend this book for providing some good insights and practical suggestions.
• See also in books below.

Tag team parenting. Actor and presenter Gemma Atkinson and her partner, Strictly Come Dancing professional Gorka Marquez, have their three-year-old Mia, and another on the way. They spoke to BBC Parents’ Toolkit about their experience as parents so far, how they share tasks as a couple and their advice on how to navigate the world of parenting.

The Expectant Dad  Good reviews for the first-time dad with “just the right mix of advice, facts and encouragement”.

The Girl Dad Code: A Father’s Guide to Unlocking the Secrets to Raising Strong, Confident, and Resilient Daughters by William Harding One reviewer says “ This book is an absolutely lovely guide for any parent – whether you are struggling or otherwise. The book’s main strength immediately is it’s relatable writing, making it easy to follow and avoiding any judgment towards any parent who may be struggling to raise their daughter.”

The Patient Parent: Because They’re Only Little Once Recommended book written by a dad.

Raising Boys and Raising Girls are two classics by Steve Biddulph, full of sensible advice that is never patronising.

The dad pad. A wipe-clean guide for new dads , developed with the NHS. Costs £12 but you can download free sample first to see what you think.