T-shirt challenges dad stereotypes

Some fathers say people assume they have less of a role in their children's lives, simple because they are a man. Photo: Facebook/The Dad Network

A slogan on a t-shirt has made a strong statement about the role of fathers.

The shirt, which says "Dad's don't babysit - it's called parenting" sparked a wave of comments online, with others writing to share their experiences of outdated notions of fatherhood.

The image of the shirt was posted on Reddit, and has since been viewed almost four million times.

The person who posted the image said the slogan was an "important message from a dad to society."

One father commented, "Thank you for helping to destroy this idea that dad's aren't a part of raising kids."

The image has sparked a conversation about stereotypes of fatherhood. Photo: Facebook/The Dad Network

One viewer wrote, "People at work say to me all the time, 'so you have to watch your kids'. No, I don't

have

to, I get to be around them."

Another commented, "I have corrected people on this for ten years now. Even though I work and my wife is at home, her going out doesn't mean I'm babysitting."

Many mothers also joined the debate, saying the stereotype that the woman is the main carer and the father is less involved with his children was old fashioned and unfair.

One mother even said she was berated for "leaving" her child with his father.

The man wearing the shirt in the photo is UK blogger Al Ferguson, who runs The Dad Network, a website dedicated to supporting fathers.

"I've had people ask me, 'are you looking after the kids today?'" he told BBC News.

"It's just out of date," he said. "The modern dad is more active in their family life than they were historically. It's out of date to assume the mum is the primary caregiver."

-nzherald.co.nz