PRESS RELEASE: Pampers
Written: Monday 28th December, 2009
BECOMING DAD
Men believe 27 is the perfect age to become a dad, it was revealed yesterday (Sun).
Researchers found the modern male still wants to have children before they reach the big 3-0, although many expect to be settled with a wife and property BEFORE fathering a child.
The study of 3,000 men revealed most felt confident they would be emotionally and financially comfortable by that point in their lives.
And only two per cent of those polled said they didn't think they would ever reach the stage where they felt ready for life's most challenging task.
The Pampers poll reveals that 71 per cent of men would like to be earning a decent amount of money - preferably in the region of #34,000 a year - before having children.
A further 61 per cent say they would like to be married to the wife of their dreams, and 67 per cent want to own a nice house before they consider fatherhood.
Four in 10 blokes like the idea of travelling the world before taking the big commitment of starting a family.
And an honest 16 per cent would like to play the field before being tied down with responsibilities.
Fifteen per cent of men would like to own a sports car, and 16 per cent aim to get promoted to a respectable position within their current company.
Denise Knowles, relationship expert on the Pampers Village Parenting Panel, says of the results: ''It is interesting to see what young men would wish to achieve before becoming a father.
''While the maturity you need to be a parent is all about your state of mind, not your age, in today's economic climate it may be unrealistic to have achieved the level of salary and position that the survey suggested young men aspire to by the age of 27.
''Not to mention the acquisition of a car, a nice house and the experience of having travelled extensively.
''The difference between the wish and the reality, for many, may preclude young men from their wish to become dads before they reach 30.
''Most importantly of all, men must remember that being a dad is not just about financial and material provision, dads need to be able to provide support emotionally, be able to comfort, to play, to be responsible, to teach and much more - none of which require lots of money, but do require maturity, self-assurance, confidence, and above all lots of love.'''
But the poll does reveal some of the more common worries blokes have about fatherhood.
More than a third are concerned they won't be allowed to go to the pub regularly when they become a dad, whilst 31 per cent think they won't be able to go clubbing whenever they want to.
More than half of men say they know going on holiday or travelling will become trickier and more expensive when they have kids.
And 24 per cent expect it to become more difficult to work their way up the property ladder when all their disposable income is being taken up by a baby.
A quarter of men think their dream of driving a fancy sports car will remain just that, and 15 per cent worry they won't get the chance to watch as much sport on TV.
Denise Knowles added: ''It's great to see that the men surveyed are recognizing and admitting the fears about the changes in lifestyle that becoming a dad may bring about.
''Without a doubt becoming a dad affects choices and lifestyle, but this doesn't mean that fun and enjoyment have to stop, it's just that expectations have to be modified, accepted and then integrated into the couple's and family's new state.''
Interestingly, 63 per cent of blokes say the financial responsibility of having a child is something which worries them most.
Four in 10 men are concerned about having someone else rely on them 100 per cent, and 31 per cent acknowledge the fact they have some growing up to do before they have kids.
Research conducted by global market research company www.onepoll.com
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