Exploring fathers’ perception and child-rearing practices for children aged 0–3 years in urban Dhaka

Abstract

This study explored fathers’ perception and involvement in child-rearing practices for children aged 0–3 years in urban Dhaka, focusing on fathers from educated, upper socio-economic backgrounds. Conventionally seen as financial providers, fathers in Bangladesh are beginning to engage more actively in caregiving roles. Qualitative phenomenological approach was used for the study that included in-depth interviews and a focus group with 12 fathers. Results show growing awareness among fathers about early childhood development, including emotional, cognitive, and physical needs. Majority fathers engage through play, emotional bonding, while few reported high participations with active involvement in daily caregiving chores feeding, bathing and bedtime storytelling. Mostly the fathers’ mentioned that their involvement is limited to weekend or after-work hours— emphasizing that the parenting ideologies have a positive shift but is still confined with multiple structural limitations which includes restricted work hours, urban infrastructure, societal paradigm, and environment. The findings highlight a strong positive fathers’ perception on child development process which is influencing shift in urban parenting dynamics and the need for father-inclusive policies, awareness programs, and child-friendly urban planning to support balanced parenting.