Not sure if you’re a competitive dad? This study will help you decide.
Turning up at school in a new car, breezing through your child’s science homework and ‘training’ the kids for sports day. These are some of the methods competitive dads use to get one up on each other, a new study found.
Researchers who polled 1,000 fathers also discovered competitive dads like to brag about their kid’s achievements on Facebook, always ensure their children have all the latest high-tech gadgets and buy them designer clothing. Arriving early to nab a front row seat for the school play and booking extravagant holidays before making sure everyone knows about it are also tell-tale signs.
The study also found 20% of fathers admitted they feel pressure to be liked by their kids’ friends. And two- thirds confessed they want to be seen as a ‘cool dad’ by their children’s mates and parents.
The poll was carried out by Vue to celebrate the release of Daddy’s Home 2.
Behavioural psychologist Jo Hemmings, who worked with Vue on the project, said: “So what is fuelling this need for dads to impress? More than one quarter admitted it’s purely because they want the best for their child. But a great deal of this highly-competitive streak is down to dads simply wanting to be better than their counterparts.”
Researchers also found more than one-third will volunteer for everything at their school in a bid to impress. And three out of ten admitted being concerned about impressing other fathers in the school playground.
However, more than 20% are concerned about impressing teachers over anyone else. And it emerged that 30% will spend hours helping out with homework in a bid to impress the teacher.
While just under half admitted attempting to get their child to volunteer for as many school plays, nativities and contests as possible. It’s no surprise men are getting competitive when three in ten dads are envious of other dads and their organisational attributes.
The study, conducted via OnePoll.com, also found seven in ten will ensure their child always ‘looks the part’ on non-uniform and fancy dress days.
If you’re still not sure if you’re a competitive dad, check out the top 10 signs below.
Top 10 signs of a competitive dad:
1. They always try to win the ‘dad’s race’ at school sports day.
2. They shout from the side-line at every sports event and match.
3. They coach their children at weekends so they win at sports day.
4. Ensuring their children have all the latest technology and gadgets.
5. They constantly brag about their children’s achievements on Facebook.
6. They complete their children’s homework so they get higher grades.
7. Dressing their child in the latest designer/sports brands.
8. Queue up for ages before a school play just to get the front seats.
9. They have the newest, biggest cars.
10. Going on the best/most exciting or extravagant holidays.
And who is the nation’s top movie dad? The inimitable Robin Williams in Mrs Doubtfire. Good call.
