Dad’s mental health in the first two years has a lasting impact on kids, new study shows

When we think about early childhood development, we often focus on milestones, sleep routines, and the emotional bond between mother and baby. But new research reminds us: the mental health of fathers in those first two years plays a critical—and often overlooked—role, too.

A recent meta-analysis published in JAMA Pediatrics, which examined 84 studies involving thousands of fathers and children, found a clear link between paternal mental well-being and a child’s emotional, cognitive, and social development. The effects were most pronounced in early childhood—an especially sensitive window for growth.

Emotional labor isn’t a mom-only burden

For many mothers, these findings validate something they’ve long sensed: a partner’s emotional state can shape the energy of the entire household. When one parent is silently struggling, it can shift the emotional rhythm of the entire household—including the littlest members of the family. 

Researchers found that paternal distress—including anxiety, depression, and chronic stress—was strongly associated with outcomes like emotional dysregulation, cognitive delays, and social difficulties in children. These patterns held true across infancy, toddlerhood, and the preschool years.

The takeaway? Prioritizing dad’s mental health isn’t just good for him—it’s good for kids, too.

Related: This viral TikTok captures what it’s like to parent through exhaustion and mental health struggles

What it can look like when dads are struggling

Mental health struggles don’t always look the same in men as they do in women, especially in the postpartum period. But experts identify several subtle yet telling symptoms, particularly among fathers, that can help partners recognize when to reach out:

• Emotional withdrawal or irritability: Some men express depression or anxiety as anger or emotional distance.
• Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed: A sudden disinterest in hobbies, social outings, or time with the kids can be a red flag .
• Trouble sleeping or persistent fatigue not tied to parenting: Disrupted sleep patterns—either insomnia or excessive sleeping—along with chronic tiredness are common symptoms in dads .
• Avoiding time with the kids: Pulling away from family activities or physical presence, even when home, may indicate emotional overload.
• Verbalizing feelings of failure or hopelessness: Expressions of feeling “empty,” “worthless,” or consumed by self-doubt are important cues.

If you notice these signs in a partner, start with a compassionate conversation. Let them know you see them—and that getting help isn’t about being broken. It’s about being supported. Meeting with a therapist or primary care provider can help dads access tools to manage their mental load.

“The association between paternal mental illness and poorer child development was robust,” researchers concluded, highlighting the importance of early intervention.

Related: The ‘mental health walk’ that wasn’t: this mom’s viral tiktok is our collective parenting nightmare

Where dads can find support

These trusted resources are a good place to start:

• Postpartum Support International offers a dedicated helpline for dads.
• The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has support groups and local resources.
• Pediatricians and family doctors can also provide referrals for mental health screenings and therapy.

Supporting dads is part of supporting families 

When we support dads in the first two years, we’re investing in the emotional well-being of the entire family. Because no parent should be expected to show up fully for their child while silently struggling.

The more we normalize emotional transparency and shared mental load, the stronger our families become.

Sources:

1. “Father’s Mental Health in First Two Years May Influence Child Development, Study Finds.” June 2025. JAMA Pediatrics. Father’s Mental Health in First Two Years May Influence Child Development, Study Finds.
2. “Men and Mental Health.” 2024. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Men and Mental Health.
3. “Male depression: Understand the signs.” 2024. Mayo Clinic. Male depression: Understand the signs.
4. “Fathers and Families.” 2025. Fathers Mental Health Alliance. Fathers and Families.
5. “Help for Dads.” 2025. Postpartum Support International. Help for Dads.