S3, Ep2: The Meaning of Paternity Leave | Why UK dads struggle from day one

Are UK dads being set up to fail before they even start?

In this episode of The Meaning of Men, I speak with Alex Lloyd Hunter, co-founder of The Dad Shift, about the urgent need for better paternity leave in the UK. Alex highlights how our outdated system affects fathers, mothers, families, and society, and explores the benefits of reforms already proven in other countries.

In this episode you will learn:

• How limited paternity leave impacts men’s mental health, family bonding, and gender equality

• The positive effects of early father involvement on children’s emotional and cognitive development

• How countries with generous, well-paid paternity leave create stronger families and healthier societies

• Why reforming the first weeks of parenthood can transform relationships, parenting, and even the economy

• Practical steps for fathers, partners, and employers to advocate for meaningful change

This conversation is essential for anyone interested in fatherhood, men’s wellbeing, gender equality, and family policy, offering insight into how supporting dads from the start benefits everyone.

 

Hear more from The Dad Shift:

https://action.dadshift.org.uk/a/back-better-paternity-leave??utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=12-08-25-podcast-MoM

 

Timestamps

03:06: The Birth of The Dad Shift 06:15: Paternity Leave: A Comparative Analysis 09:39: Success Stories from Abroad 10:32: The Ripple Effects of Paternity Leave 14:24: Facing Resistance to Change 17:59: The Importance of Fathers 20:20: Benefits of Paternity Leave 23:15: The Evolving Role of Fathers 24:37: The Importance of Bonding and Relationships 26:41: Postnatal Depression and Its Impact on Fathers 29:31: The Pressure of Returning to Work 31:53: Presence vs. Attendance in Parenting 34:52: Workplace Support for Paternity Leave 38:20: The Dad Shift Campaign and Future Goals