Survey finds 9 in 10 fathers report happiness from childcare

A new report, the 2026 State of the World's Fathers, surveyed over 5,000 fathers and found that nine out of ten interviewed felt that caring for children is a deep source of happiness. The report was prepared by Equimundo: Center for Masculinities and Social Justice, a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy group. Lead author Taveeshi Gupta said researchers did not expect that finding. The report also identified a persistent idea that men are providers first and caregivers second, and found that economic precarity is linked to mental health and life outcomes. Three in four fathers said they were losing sleep over their financial future, and more than half had taken on multiple jobs, changed jobs, or were working overtime. The report suggests fully paid leave for fathers lasting as long as maternity leave, cash stipends for lower-income families, and livable minimum wage guarantees. The article profiles three new fathers in India who describe finding joy and meaning in caregiving.

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Sources: NPR