Leading Article: Touchy-feely dad is still a lad

Children like "new men". According to the latest evidence, they want dad to be around, to pay them attention, to cuddle and love them and touchy-feely things like that. And dads, it seems, are starting to get the hang of it.

It's only a start, mind. Daughters still get less of dad's time and attention than sons. Mothers still provide most of the children's emotional support and comfort. Children turn to father first only over money, sport and trouble with - you guessed it - mum. And how do you think dad spends most of his time with the children? Watching telly. It looks like New Dad is just a New Lad.