The aim of the project is to promote fathers’ engagement in the upbringing and care of children by raising awareness among parents and professionals about the importance of a child’s bond with both parents, non-violent parenting and the benefits of shared care and parenting responsibilities. In Poland, fathers have little involvement in the upbringing and care of children aged 0 to 6 years. Few of them take paternity leave. According to our survey, the majority of women and men recognise that both parents should have equal responsibilities in caring for children, but in practice the partnership model is implemented by 37% of respondents. Only 13% of fathers declare that they are the ones who most often take care of the child, while 60% of women see themselves in this role. There is a strong belief that the child’s bond with the mother is more important than with the father. Parents’ knowledge of the importance of the father in the child’s life is insufficient. There is a lack of places where fathers can talk to each other and exchange experiences. Possible consequences of this situation include the exclusion of men from active participation in children’s lives, mothers being overburdened with responsibilities, a higher risk of parental burnout and mental health disorders, the risk of emotional neglect and child abuse.

The project’s direct beneficiaries are the professionals – people in contact with families with young children in their work. We organise the Study for professionals working with fathers, seminars, scenarios for conducting meetings for parents, sessions as part of the ‘Caution, Child! Prevention of abuse of young children”. Parents planning or expecting a child and parents of children aged 0-6 years, including those in the process of separation, will also benefit from the project’s activities. They will be targeted by educational activities on good parenting – articles on the website, a social media campaign, podcasts, leaflets, brochures and support groups.