Podcasts · Be a Happier Parent

Ep 34: Finding a Role for Fathers with Darby Saxbe

29 May 2026 · 47 min · Episode 35

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Full videos of episodes available on YouTube @alexindadland

Couples coaching, contact me: beahappierparent@gmail.com

Darby Saxbe is on Instagram @darbysaxbephd

summary

This conversation explores the evolving roles of fathers and mothers, the impact of societal and cultural shifts on parenting, and how to foster healthier family dynamics. It highlights the importance of communication, understanding gender roles, and supporting men in caregiving.

keywords

fatherhood, gender roles, parenting, mental load, maternal gatekeeping, relationship dynamics, cultural shifts, caregiving, masculinity, family health

key topics

Changing roles of fathers and mothers Impact of societal and cultural shifts on parenting Maternal gatekeeping and paternal involvement The emotional and physical transformation of new dads The importance of communication in parenting partnerships

guest name

Darby Saxbe

Titles

The Future of Fatherhood: Embracing Care and Connection How Cultural Shifts Are Redefining Parenting Roles

sound bites

"Men are left out of the conversation." "Fatherhood is transformative for men." "We need to value care as a society."

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Dads in Parenting Dynamics 05:15 Transformative Experiences of Fatherhood 07:54 Understanding the Impact of Birth on Fathers 11:12 The Role of Meaning-Making in Parenting 11:41 The Crisis of Transitioning to Parenthood 13:59 Communication as a Key to Relationship Success 17:04 The Unique Role of Fathers in Child Development 19:50 The Evolution of Fatherhood Roles 22:45 The Future of Parenting Dynamics 26:58 The Role of Oxytocin in Parenting 27:52 Cultural Influences on Parenting Styles 30:30 Navigating Parental Expectations and Child Development 31:56 Changing Representations of Fathers in Media 35:52 Evolving Masculinity and Parenting Roles 40:04 The Importance of Male Role Models in Caregiving 43:31 Valuing Care in Society 46:45 Understanding Modern Parenting Challenges

resources

Darby Saxbe's Book on Parenthood and Gender Roles - https://www.amazon.com/Parenthood-Gender-Roles-Darby-Saxbe/dp/XXXXXX Richard Reeves' Work on Fatherhood and Masculinity - https://www.thelondonreview.com/richard-reeves-fatherhood Star Wars and Cultural Depictions of Fathers - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXXXXX The Mandalorian Series - https://www.disneyplus.com/series/the-mandalorian/XXXXXX Studies on Oxytocin and Parenting - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/XXXXXX

The episode on the publisher’s site ↗ (opens in a new tab)