A new Course aims to build the confidence and enjoyment of dads with babies and infants aged up to two years. “Increased involvement, attachment and awareness of the needs of infants are the key goal,” says course facilitator, Don Rowlands, from the Home & Family Society.

Many dads lack positive hands on role models of male parenting, have fears about their ability and skills around babies and are faced with low expectations and gate keeping that restrict their involvement.

The tender years were traditionally regarded as the mother’s domain and the father was expected to provide and pay the mortgage by working overtime hours

Changes to family life in New Zealand have led to the rethinking of parenting roles.

There are clear signals within New Zealand society that men are thinking a lot more about the changing role of fatherhood. In recent years the number of men attending antenatal classes and the birth of their children has increased dramatically.