Hong Kong dads are seeking more family time despite work pressures, aided by the DADs Network’s community. Photo: May TseYounger dads in Hong Kong want to spend more time with their kids. However, they struggle because they have little time and parenting experience, according to an NGO.
Allen Ha Wing-on is the co-founder of the DADs Network. He thinks that traditional views and busy lives make it hard for local fathers.
“Traditionally, not just in Asia, fathers are expected to provide financially but are not necessarily very engaged relationally,” said the father of two, whose organisation pushes for a bigger role for dads.
He explained that long work hours and high pressure often led to weak relationships between fathers and children.
He noted that, unlike mothers, fathers don’t usually come together as a community. This inspired him to start his organisation in 2015. The idea was to create a networking platform for dads and organise father-child activities.
About 95 per cent of fathers committed to spending regular one-on-one time with their kids after these events, according to the non-profit organisation.
Another strategy was creating “Dads Together” groups, where fathers can safely share experiences and learn from each other.
Staff writer