by Frances Laing

Created on: September 25, 2009

Research evidence on the impact of delayed fatherhood on child-father relationships is not readily available. The Fatherhood Institute has recently focused on the situation of young fathers instead with it's report and action pack called "Invisible Fathers".

It's easy to perpetuate stereotypes. The institute tells us: "Sixty-nine per cent of the public say the media often present a negative image of young fathers and nearly two-thirds think the younger the father, the less likely he is to stick around. However, 9 out of 10 say young dads should be offered intensive support to help them to be good dads". The reason this report is called 'Invisible Fathers' is that young fathers tend to be ignored or underestimated by health professionals and child care specialists. So are 'delayed fathers' more likely to overcome challenges like these?

I'd answer yes to that question. Most older fathers have self-confidence and maturity on their side. In the case of those fathers over thirty (or over forty) who really want to take an active part in parenting their child - I can't see many of them being intimidated during routine antenatal appointments or the day-to-day business of looking after a child.

But then I admit to being very biased. My other half (who was fifty when our child was born) - was hands-on from the start. Older generations of men (and much younger ones) may have been more distanced and may not have dreamed of 'mucking in' with jobs like nappy changing - but this particular 'delayed father' did the whole childcare bit without being asked.

'Delayed fathers' tend to have the benefit of a philosophical approach - an awareness of the mistakes their own fathers may have made - perhaps they've even been divorced and started a new, extended family. Many of them don't want to miss out on the joys of parenthood second time around - they've made their mistakes and have more patience to see them through the tough times.

Then there's the relevance and impact of peer pressure on fathers and fatherhood. Peer pressure sometimes has a positive impact on people, but with young men especially it can lead to negative behavioural traits which don't bolster the notion of responsible fatherhood. 'Delayed' fathers have often been around in their lives - seen some action - and some don't care so much what other people think - on the whole they just want to do the right thing by their children.

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