Why Dads Need Care

Traditional Filipino culture sees the father as a provider, a breadwinner whose sole duty is to go out and work to support his household. Thankfully, though, our sensibilities have progressed over the years, and gender roles are now much more accommodating. Filipinos now accept broader definitions of what it means to be the “man of the house.” 

This rings true, even in a pandemic. As many Filipino fathers transitioned to life under lockdown, we saw them take on more active roles at home: work-from-home employee, caretaker, home cook, household help, repairman, and even errand-running “tribute” in the early months of the lockdown.  

For all the work that they do for the family, though, many dads still hesitate to express their needs for care and support. Many are still culturally predisposed to withhold these needs, thinking that they need to look strong and reliable for the rest of us.

But this Father’s Day, we hope you take the time to sit down with your old man, even if it’s just to ask him if he’s doing okay. As Dove Men+Care points out, dads can only care for us when they themselves feel cared for. 

Jumpy Santos, marketing manager, father, and the YouTube creator behind DADiares PH Vlogs, is keenly aware of this. Here, he sheds some light on the struggles many dads face during these difficult times, and explains why dads, like the rest of us, need care, too.

Care for dad by giving him the care he deserves this Father’s Day. Follow Dove Men+Care on Facebook.