From Fatherhood to Fulfilment: Supporting Men in Their Role as Dads

Fatherhood is a beautiful and powerful role—one that shapes not only the lives of children, but the health of entire families. And yet, in a world that often overlooks the emotional and mental wellbeing of men, fathers are frequently left without the support, space, or recognition they deserve.

At From Roots to You, we believe the wellbeing of a family is deeply connected to the wellbeing of every member—including dads. When fathers feel healthy, supported, and emotionally nourished, their presence creates safety, stability, and lasting connection for their children.

This Father’s Day and beyond, let’s move beyond surface-level celebration and dive into how to truly support the fathers in our lives—with tools rooted in calm, connection, and holistic wellness.

The Hidden Strain of Fatherhood

Many fathers carry silent pressure: to provide, to protect, to show up consistently, and often, to suppress their own struggles in the process. Whether they’re navigating long work hours, identity shifts, co-parenting stress, or the emotional weight of being a role model—dads are under a lot of strain. Yet most societal narratives still frame dads as the "support system" rather than as people in need of support themselves. It’s time to shift that narrative.

Supporting Dads in a Holistic Way: 7 Grounding Tips

1. Encourage Emotional Expression

Dads need space to feel and be vulnerable too. Ask them how they’re really doing—not just about work or logistics, but about their heart, energy, and emotional wellbeing.

✅ Ask questions like:

• “What’s been feeling heavy for you lately?”

• “What part of fatherhood do you love most—and what’s been hardest?”

Remind them: emotional expression is a strength, not a weakness.

2. Honour the Transition into Fatherhood

Just like mothers experience a profound shift during matrescence, fathers go through a parallel journey—patrescence—as they become caregivers, protectors, and emotional anchors for their children.

Recognize that it takes time to find rhythm in fatherhood. Dads need grace, encouragement, and space to learn alongside their children.

Affirmation: “You don’t have to be perfect to be powerful.”

3. Support Nervous System Health

Many dads carry unspoken stress—and chronic stress can lead to burnout, irritability, and disconnection. Grounding the nervous system is key for patience, emotional regulation, and presence with kids.

🌿Try:

• Daily breathwork (even 3–5 minutes)

• Cold showers or grounding walks

• Adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha or Rhodiola (talk to a practitioner first)

• Less screen time, more outdoor time

  
  

4. Create “Dad Space” to Recharge

Everyone needs solitude and self-care—including dads. Help them identify what recharges their energy and create space for it, guilt-free.

🎣 Whether it’s:

• Time in nature

• Playing music or sports

• Reading, journaling, or meditation

• Connecting with other fathers

• Even playing a favourite video game

Honouring that personal time leads to better connection at home.

5. Include Dads in the Parenting Conversation

Often, dads feel like outsiders in parenting spaces that are more mom-centred. Let’s change that.

📚 Invite them to:

• Read conscious parenting books with you

• Join in family rituals and self-care routines

• Attend parenting workshops or dad groups

• Co-create routines and emotional safety for kids

Inclusion empowers fathers to be active, present, and intentional.

6. Celebrate Presence Over Perfection

Society tends to reward performance, but kids crave presence.

Remind dads that their value isn’t found in being flawless—it’s in showing up with love, attention, and authenticity.

👣 Simple ways dads can stay connected with their kids:

• Daily check-ins or bedtime chats

• Nature walks together

• Shared rituals like weekend pancakes or nightly stories

• Letting kids see their emotions and humanity

  
  

7. Build a Village Around Him

Fathers need community too. Whether it’s friendships, family support, or mentorship, connection helps dads feel less alone in their journey.

🎧 Encourage:

• Men’s mental health podcasts

• Connection with other conscious dads

• Couples’ conversations to share the load

  
  

The strongest families aren’t those who “do it all”—they’re the ones who lean on each other.

Fatherhood as a Sacred Role

Fatherhood isn’t just about responsibility—it’s about legacy. When we support fathers holistically, we help raise children who feel safe, supported, and deeply loved. And we help men feel fulfilled, not just functional.

To every dad who’s doing the inner work, showing up tired but still showing up, and breaking cycles along the way—you are seen, valued, and needed.

Let’s raise a generation of kids who grow up knowing not just that their dads were there—but that their dads were whole.