Transitions within Fathering

Researchers and family theorists have emphasized the transition to fatherhood as a critical juncture in men’s development and in their contribution to family well-being through father involvement and physical support. A growing body of theoretical and empirical literature establishes that variability in men’s transitions to fatherhood predicts different trajectories and outcomes regarding father involvement and family well-being. However, little or no discussion focuses on men’s transitions within fatherhood, which we assert to be more important in affecting father, child and family outcomes than characteristics of the initial transition to fatherhood. This paper synthesizes existing theories of fathering and family transitions and expands them to focus on transitions within fathering. By combining existing theories and research findings, we hope to construct a new lens for viewing factors influencing patterns of father involvement across a man’s fathering career. Bringing focus to important transitions within fathering has the potential to generate refined empirical work with the capability for informing parent and family education and support practices.