Fathers' motivations and expectations from participating in early child care: A study in Ghanaian Municipality

Objective

The purpose of this study is to contribute to knowledge on first-time fathers' motivations and expectations from participating in early child care in Ghana.

Background

This study explores the motivations and expectations of first-time fathers from participating in early child care, which is mostly a preserved responsibility for mothers worldwide, and Ghana is no exception because fathers were restricted to breadwinning and moral corrections.

Method

We used qualitative case study design, and a total of 28 first-time fathers participated in semistructured interviews. The interviews were audio recorded and analyzed thematically.

Results

The data analysis revealed that the changing economic condition of the family, the celebration of Father's Day, childcare laws, and the introduction of hands-on care motivated first-time fathers' participation in early child care. Securing a better future for the child, using children as insurance for old age, having a law-abiding child, strengthening the father–child bond, strengthening the husband–wife bond, and gaining community recognition were the expectations of first-time fathers.

Conclusion

Participants held different motivations and expectations for participating in early child care, and this study calls on policymakers to develop father-friendly policies and programs that promote and sensitize fathers on their participation in early child care in the family.