How much or how little do dads know about their kids? When many fathers were evaluated, the result stunned the internet
Even though we practice equality when it comes to gender, there are still a few stereotypes and mindsets yet to change. One of the major ones is that of a mother’s role as the primary caregiver and a father’s role as secondary. Often, moms are put as the first parent, while dads take on the role of a breadwinner. This theory has long changed, with women contributing more financially and men handling more household chores. However, in terms of parenting, there is still a lag. TV host and comedian Jimmy Kimmel conducted interviews of random dads for a pop quiz to check how much they knew about their own kids on Jimmy Kimmel Live and the results were baffling.
An interviewer for the show spoke to fathers and their children, and though many dads were sure they had a great bond with their kids, their responses to basic questions about their kids said otherwise. The first dad was asked about his son’s birthday. He took a few seconds to think and still said the wrong date, leaving his son shocked. The next dad was asked about his son’s age. He responded, “29, 28?” while looking confused at his kid. “27,” the son responded with a chuckle. When asked whether his son had any allergies, his reply was, “Not that I know of.” Turned out, his son was allergic to penicillin and the dad had no clue.
Another dad was confused with his daughters’ middle names and had to look over to a woman, supposedly his wife, to get some idea. Another dad had 5 guesses to figure out the name of his son’s girlfriend’s, but every single time he got the answer so wrong, his son remarked, “I don’t know anyone by those names.” One father successfully hit one question right by revealing his daughter's favorite band, but when asked a more personal question about her teachers’ names, he had no clue. Another dad had three beautiful daughters, but fumbled about each of them when asked which grade they were in.
In the next segment of the vox pop, the interviewer asked similar questions, but this time, to the mom. The mom, however, knew everything so well about her son as if she were talking about herself. Not only was she confident and accurate, but she also responded so quickly and effortlessly, like it was a rapid-fire round. Why is it that dads tend to take a backseat when it involves basic knowledge about their children? 82% of full-time working dads reportedly say they’d like to put in more efforts, but just can’t balance it with work, as per The Guardian. Siân Rowland, a former deputy head of a primary school and now a coordinator of a healthy schools program in south-west London, said that they don’t find it necessary to involve the role of fathers as primary parents. "Dads are disenfranchised. There's a culture of 'take your book home and read it to mummy,’” it was noted.
According to them, the problem is the societal views of moms as the main parental figures and also the lack of effort and time from dads to show up, thus accelerating the already biased views. The hope is for dads to play a more active role: Ask your kids about their day, be involved and stay updated. @kylecedrickgraciano9743 said, “Dads, parenting is not just bringing in money and providing for the family. Know your children. Kids need father figures.” @messynessy_mua7550 added, “Just because a dad is there doesn’t mean they’re present.”