A: I find primarily the need to provide financially, with pressure to work hard but also finding time for their children. Also fathers with more than one child often feel overwhelmed by splitting time between them, and not showing favouritism.

A: Working from home and being physically there, but not available, adds to every parent’s stress. A father might be juggling expectations from his children and wife/wider family that he can parent more, because he is suddenly there, but needing to fulfill his career role as normal. The pandemic has brought with it additional anxiety around job security, as well as worries about family health and protection. Fathers feel stressed by their helplessness and not always knowing the answer or solution their family is looking for.

A: There needs to be awareness of feeling overwhelmed. We need to seek balance, rather than reacting in the moment: breathe, take a pause and self regulate. Notice the desire to always fix problems, but stay present, listen and empathise first.

A: Meditation, practicing being vulnerable with our partner and sharing fears rather than blaming or feeling guilty.  Self-care – saying both no and yes to things that help us feel calmer – and practice noticing our thoughts and feelings rather than just reacting to them.

A: Apologise and take responsibility – we are not perfect and our children don’t need perfect parents. They need parents who recognise when they’ve made a mistake, and don’t blame others for it. Practice awareness through mindfulness and meditation so that we can avoid replicating it.