Fatherhood & Mental Health: Why Vulnerability Matters for Dads
Dam Parenting11 Kesä 2025

Fatherhood & Mental Health: Why Vulnerability Matters for Dads

An open conversation about men’s mental health in fatherhood, emotional vulnerability, and the silent pressures many dads carry. A powerful episode for partners, parents, and anyone raising children together.


In this special episode of Dam Parenting during Men’s Mental Health Week, we open up a vital conversation about fatherhood and mental health—a topic still too often left in the shadows.

We’re joined by two fathers from our international community who share their personal journeys into parenthood. One speaks candidly about the emotional toll of having a newborn in the NICU, and the other reflects on the everyday challenges of raising a young family while living with ADHD. Different stories, same truth: fatherhood can be heavy, and vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s real strength.

Did you know?

  • The rise of paternal burnout and why nearly 1 in 6 fathers in the Netherlands report burnout symptoms

  • How up to 1 in 4 dads experience postpartum depression within the first six months after birth


With burnout, emotional overload, and the pressure to "stay strong," many fathers are struggling in silence. This episode is about breaking that silence, challenging stigma, and creating space for real conversations and support.


STATS:

  • 15.9% of Dutch fathers report moderate parental burnout, with 0.4% experiencing high burnout
    PMC Study on Parental Burnout

  • Up to 25.6% of fathers may experience postpartum depression, especially within 3–6 months postpartum
    PubMed Meta-analysis

  • Rising awareness of paternal mental health issues, yet routine screening is still uncommon
    Springer Open Access Study

  • Growing mental overload for fathers with neurodivergent conditions like ADHD


Jaksot(185)

It’s Not Just What You Say: How Communication Shapes Connection with Mimi

It’s Not Just What You Say: How Communication Shapes Connection with Mimi

Tone, timing, and emotional safety matter. This episode explores how the way we speak impacts children’s confidence, behaviour, and relationships.If your child understands the home language but rarely...

16 Heinä 202514min

Summers Boredom Busters: Where to go with the kids this summer with Samira

Summers Boredom Busters: Where to go with the kids this summer with Samira

Where to go, what to do with Samira from AmsterdamKids.comBeachesZandvoort aan ZeeBloemendaal aan ZeeCastricum aan Zee Texel IslandZeelandScheveningenAmusement ParksEfteling Oud ValkeveenDuinrell and ...

13 Heinä 202511min

In-Laws, Culture & Boundaries: Parenting Without Guilt Abroad

In-Laws, Culture & Boundaries: Parenting Without Guilt Abroad

Cross-cultural families often face unspoken expectations. This episode explores boundaries, cultural tension, and how to protect relationships without losing yourself.Feeling Alone as a New Parent Abr...

9 Heinä 202526min

The Motherbrain Myth by Dr. Elke De Witte

The Motherbrain Myth by Dr. Elke De Witte

What really happens to the brain when we become parents? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Elke De Witte, author of the newly released Dutch book De Moederbreinmythe ("The Mother Brain My...

2 Heinä 202544min

Why Kids Need a Smartphone-Free Childhood (And What Parents Can Do Instead)

Why Kids Need a Smartphone-Free Childhood (And What Parents Can Do Instead)

Why are more families choosing to delay smartphones? This episode explores child development, attention, and the growing movement advocating for a healthier relationship with technology.Smartphones ar...

30 Kesä 202527min

Why Managing Your Own Stress Helps Your Child Thrive with Mimi

Why Managing Your Own Stress Helps Your Child Thrive with Mimi

Children absorb more than we realise. This episode explores how parental stress impacts children — and why regulation starts with the adult, not the child.This week, our trusted child psychologist, Dr...

25 Kesä 202527min

Migrant Mothers & Mental Health: Why Support Matters with MiMoment

Migrant Mothers & Mental Health: Why Support Matters with MiMoment

In this special episode of the Dam Parenting, we’re raising awareness about MiMoment — a unique research project by the WHO Collaborating Center and the Department of Clinical Psychology at Vrije Univ...

22 Kesä 20256min

Multilingual Parenting Without Pressure: Letting It Be Lighter

Multilingual Parenting Without Pressure: Letting It Be Lighter

Feeling overwhelmed by language choices and expectations? This episode explores how to ease pressure, release guilt, and approach multilingual parenting with more confidence and calm.In this episode w...

18 Kesä 202520min

Suosittua kategoriassa Nuorille kuuntelijoille

lasten-sadut
rss-hei-baby
iltasatu-lapselle
saran-kaverikirja
rss-satupalvelu-satuja-lapsille
rss-naapurissa
rss-kuumilla-aalloilla
perusasento
satuillaan-yhteisia-satuhetkia-koko-perheelle
rss-lastenohjelma-taikalipas
onnen-kuplia
odotushuone
rss-stylecast
rss-palaudu-synnytyksesta-podcast
puhutaan-koiraa
docemilia
riivattu-rakki
rss-mamcast
rss-vastaanotolla
hyvaa-elamaa-koiran-kanssa