The 20 most annoying phrases dads hear, according to research
Study finds that many fathers feel frustrated when people do not take them seriously as parents
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.“You’ve got him well trained” and “you’re doing that wrong” are the two phrases most guaranteed to wind dads up, according to research.
A study of 2,000 fathers has exposed sayings they cannot stand to hear, which also includes “are you babysitting?” and “it’s nice to see a man looking after the kids”. Comments such as “you’re such a softie” and “who ironed the kids’ clothes?” will also infuriate many fathers and half of British dads admitted they get annoyed if others make comments about their parenting if they’re out alone with their children.
The study was conducted by ChannelMum.com, whose founder Siobhan Freegard said: “Almost all parenting issues still only focus on mum’s involvement - so no wonder dads feel fed up.
“Modern men are doing more parenting than ever before so that’s why it’s frustrating for dads when people are still surprised they can care effectively for their kids.”
Other phrases which will get a father's blood boiling are, “Bet you can’t wait until your wife comes back” and a surprised, “You’re actually quite good at putting on a nappy”. Just under a tenth of them have been told “your baby seems really happy with you”.
These comments really begin to grate once a child reaches two years of age, with one in 20 getting wound up within the first six months of parenthood. A third of fathers will hear some form of patronising parenting comment up to five times a week, the research suggested.
The majority of British dads believe their parenting load is shared 50-50 with their partner – with the remainder considering it more a 70-30 split – and just under half agree that men have a bad reputation when it comes to parenting. In fact, 57 per cent of respondents believe people think they are not as skilled a parent as their child’s mother.
Twenty-nine per cent of dads have confronted someone else for making a passive-aggressive parenting comment. The comments are most likely to come from their mother-in-law, followed by their partner or another mum.
Ms Freegard added: “Mum maybe the word but we all need to think more carefully about the words we use to describe dads and what they do.
"In a society rightly fighting or equality, let’s show we appreciate all dads do this Father’s Day.”
Top 20 most annoying phrases for fathers
1. You've got him well trained
2. You're doing it wrong, it should be like this
3. Are you disappointed the baby wasn't a boy?
4. Are you babysitting today?
5. It's nice to see a man looking after the kids
6. Bet you can't wait until your wife comes back
7. Wow, your baby is massive!
8. Get used to never having sex again now the kids are here
9. Who ironed the kids' clothes?
10. Did your wife lay out the kids' outfits for you?
11. There's always one! (if you arrive late somewhere)
12. You're actually quite good at putting on a nappy
13. Oh, you managed to make it here on time
14. You're such a hands-on dad
15. You're such a softie
16. Where is your partner?
17. Oh, you managed to remember to pack his PE kit
18. Is it hard to work full time with a baby?
19. Your baby seems really happy with you
20. It must be hard for you to get up early with the kids
SWNS
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments