Fatherless boys become dads earlier: study (UK)

AAP

Young boys whose dads don't live at home are more likely to become fathers in their early 20s, new research shows.

According to the British study, it also linked absent dads to delays in their sons experiencing the key puberty milestone of voice-breaking.

The researchers suggested it was possible the stress associated with not having a father around could have an effect on adolescent hormones and delay puberty.

Boys with absent fathers were more likely to have had at least one child by the time they turned 23 compared to those whose fathers were still at home by the time their sons turned 16.

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My Son Was a Teenage Father (USA)

The MTV reality series is called Teen Mom, not Teen Dad. The disturbing figures from Memphis, Tennessee schools refer to how many teen girls are pregnant, not how many teen boys have made a baby. Having lived through that scary first year, from finding out my child was going to become a parent to witnessing the reality of a baby, I know that teen pregnancy happens to teen dads as well as to the mom. My son was a teenage father.

New Parent Infant Network (NEWPIN) supporting fathers

NEWPIN offers parents and children a unique opportunity for positive changes in their lives and relationships, based on four core values of support, equality, empathy and respect. NEWPIN is a preventative, early intervention program, offering intensive work with families facing potential or actual child-protection issues. The award-winning program combines peer support, quality early education and personal development that is structured and therapeutic. NEWPIN centres are based in local communities and offer safe and supportive environments. There are six centres in Australia: Bidwill, Doonside, St Marys, Bidwill Fathers Program, (operated by UnitingCare Burnside). Geelong (operated by Bethany Community Support), Launceston (operated by Northern NEWPIN) and Canberra (operated by UnitingCare Kippax).

Dads fear their boss

Dads are fighting a daily battle to balance work and fatherhood, but admit they are scared to ask bosses to reduce their hours for fear it may harm their careers.A Galaxy survey conducted for The Sunday Telegraph for Father's Day reveals that while most Australian fathers struggle to juggle jobs and family responsibilities, younger dads have the biggest problems striking a work-life balance.But they wouldn't swap fatherhood for anything - nine out of 10 say being a dad is fulfilling, while 75 per cent report they are happy or very happy.

It's a hard road for teenage dads (NZ)

If there's a teen mum then dad's probably a teenager, too. Daniel Johns - who was a teen parent himself - is passionate as he discusses his frustration about a lack of targeted support for people who find themselves in that situation. Daniel, now 21, is helping form a support system for teen dads. He has made a flying start by being granted one of only two year-long Waitakere City Council scholarships in that area. He is using the funding to co-run two support group courses in Henderson. He says there is a real and continuing need for support tailored to teenage fathers. Teenage mothers have antenatal classes, counselling, support and coffee groups. Daniel says men can join classes but the information is mainly directed at women.