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Emotionally Available Fatherhood: What Dads Need to Know | The Forties Formula
Description
In today’s episode of The Forties Formula, Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim sit down with counselor, walk-and-talk therapist, and self-described "Dad in Progress," Simon Parkin.
Motherhood isn't just exhausting because of sleepless nights. It's exhausting because of the invisible load—the planning, organizing, remembering, and emotional labor that keeps families running behind the scenes. While many fathers are showing up more than ever before, many mothers still find themselves carrying responsibilities that often go unseen and unacknowledged.
In this honest Father's Day conversation, Simon shares what emotionally available fatherhood really looks like, why communication often breaks down after children arrive, and how helping men become better partners and fathers can improve the wellbeing of the entire family.
In this conversation, we explore:
• The invisible load and why it creates resentment in relationships
• Why many fathers genuinely don't see the mental load mothers carry
• How communication changes after children and what couples can do about it
• The impact of childhood experiences on parenting styles
• Why men need safe spaces to talk about fatherhood and mental health
• Simon's philosophy of being a "Dad in Progress"
If you've ever felt alone inside motherhood, overwhelmed by the mental load, or frustrated that your partner doesn't seem to understand everything you're carrying, this episode is for you.
Chapters:
00:00 | The Invisible Load Mothers Carry
01:48 | Meet Simon Parkin
04:29 | Why Dads Feel Pressure To Get Fatherhood Right
08:39 | Why Mothers Become Resentful
12:18 | Dads Don't See The Mental Load
16:14 | Communication After Kids
23:43 | Walk-And-Talk Therapy
27:24 | Parenting Across Cultures
33:11 | The Haircut Story Every Parent Needs To Hear
37:01 | Why Men Don't Open Up
42:09 | The Hidden Struggles Of Fathers
47:19 | Happy Spouses, Happy Houses
49:09 | Simon's Fatherhood Formula
About your hosts:
Jasmin Dhillon is an Integrated Health Strategist and Health Coach helping women in their 40s navigate gut health, hormones and nutrition.
https://www.instagram.com/eat.with.jasmin/
Amanda Lim is a Metabolic Health Coach focused on helping women build strength, confidence and long-term health.
https://www.instagram.com/coachamandalim/?hl=en
About the Guest:
Simon Parkin is a counselor, walk-and-talk therapist, fatherhood advocate, and founder of Dad In Progress. Through his work, he helps men, fathers, and families build stronger relationships through communication, emotional awareness, and intentional parenting.
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