Colman Noctor: I often wonder if my generation marks the end of the DIY-dad role

I grew up in the 1980s and I would say the role my father had in my upbringing bears little or no resemblance to the role I play in my three children’s lives

The ability to do basic carpentry can be passed down through the generations - but we are in danger of losing these skills, says our columnist. Picture: iStock

THE role of Irish fathers is changing. We are all familiar with the rhetoric that there are many more dads pushing buggies now than in years gone by. However, there are other ways in which fathers’ roles have changed from previous generations, creating some gaps in father-child learning.

This column is based on my experience and perhaps reflects the experience of some other fathers too. I am focusing on how hands-on modern dads have lost the DIY skills of their fathers and past generation.