Photos of Loving Fathers Who Defy Stereotypes of Men with Kids

fatherhood without fear don't forget dads parenting family inspiring photography

Photo credit: @arianna_danielson

On a mission to prove that dads aren't just secondary caretakers, Fatherhood Without Fear (@dontforgetdads) visually explores and presents relationships between real-life fathers and their children. To illustrate this point, the Instagram account showcases touching photos of men both emotionally connecting and physically engaging with their sons and daughters.

Fatherhood Without Fear is predominantly focused on combatting the stereotype that men merely “babysit,” while women “parent.” This age-old idea is not only incorrect, but hurtful towards fathers, whose crucial role in family life is often overlooked. Thus, Fatherhood Without Fear aims to highlight and celebrate the equally important bond between a dad and his offspring.

In the sentimental series of photographs, doting dads are shown cuddling, sleeping with, bathing, and even wearing their babies—acts that are often mistakenly thought to be primarily maternal. “In our culture, it’s very much like mom has her role and dad’s role is outside of the home,” January Harshe, the co-founder of the account, explained to ATTN:. “The more and more we can show in social media that dads are engaged, the more we can break through the stereotypes.” Ultimately, each photo communicates a straightforward message: “don't forget dads.”

Harshe and her husband, Brandon, co-founded Fatherhood Without Fear in 2015. Inspired by their previous project, Birth Without Fear, the couple started the series to shine a light on the importance and true nature of the role of fathers. “I noticed that dads are kind of forgotten,” Harshe explained to ATTN:. “When a woman is pregnant, it’s all about her and the upcoming birth. Then the baby is born — and it’s all about the baby — and, a lot of times, the moms are forgotten in the postpartum…so where does that leave dads? I  know that women feel a lot of times that they’re alone in this whole journey. And men definitely do too.” Hopefully, Fatherhood Without Fear helps dedicated dads feel less like alienated babysitters and more like the parents they truly are.

See a touching selection of intimate photographs from Fatherhood Without Fear below.

fatherhood without fear don't forget dads parenting family inspiring photography

Photo credit: @dorthyray

fatherhood without fear don't forget dads parenting family inspiring photography

Photo credit: @emilyalexandra

fatherhood without fear don't forget dads parenting family inspiring photography

Photo credit: @briezzy003

fatherhood without fear don't forget dads parenting family inspiring photography

Photo credit: @marisaneseloane

fatherhood without fear don't forget dads parenting family inspiring photography

Photo credit: @debutphoto

fatherhood without fear don't forget dads parenting family inspiring photography

Photo credit: @bondi_mumma

fatherhood without fear don't forget dads parenting family inspiring photography

Photo credit: @bennyontheroad

fatherhood without fear don't forget dads parenting family inspiring photography

Photo credit: @kimtarts

fatherhood without fear don't forget dads parenting family inspiring photography

Photo credit: @cristiane__ribeiro

fatherhood without fear don't forget dads parenting family inspiring photography

Photo credit: @fitamysuzanne

fatherhood without fear don't forget dads parenting family inspiring photography

Photo credit: @the.swanson.twins

fatherhood without fear don't forget dads parenting family inspiring photography

Photo credit: @kellyburnsgallagher

Fatherhood Without Fear: Instagram 
h/t: [attn:]

All images via Fatherhood Without Fear.

Kelly Richman-Abdou

Kelly Richman-Abdou is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. An art historian living in Paris, Kelly was born and raised in San Francisco and holds a BA in Art History from the University of San Francisco and an MA in Art and Museum Studies from Georgetown University. When she’s not writing, you can find Kelly wandering around Paris, whether she’s leading a tour (as a guide, she has been interviewed by BBC World News America and France 24) or simply taking a stroll with her husband and two tiny daughters.
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