The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge took part in a Zoom chat with a group of brave men who have had their family life transformed by parenting courses run by the London-based organisation Future Men. During the candid conversation, William, 38, expressed concerns about new dads who “just don’t know what to do” and explained there were many parents who “don’t know where to go” for help.
William and Kate have three children together Prince George, seven, Princess Charlotte, five, and Prince Louis, two.
Despite being an experienced father-of-three, the Duke admitted he still worries about if he is doing things right.
Speaking on the Zoom call, William asked: “How does Future Men find some of these other guys out there who have not got the realisation, or the wherewithal if you like, to go looking for services like Future Men and be able to build on a happy future as a father?
“Because I worry an awful lot, a lot of dads out there who just don’t know what to do, and they don’t know where to go.
“And they may not have such good – either grounding, foundations or support around them to be able to know what to do.”
During the call, one father confessed he found parenthood “scary” for the first time and explained it was one of the only roles in life where there are no instructions.
Speaking to group, Sarit Chaturvedi said: “Parenting is probably the only sort of job if you can call it – it is a very, very difficult job – that we’re not given any hands-on approach on.
“You know, any other job you enter, you are shown the ropes. At the time it’s completely new to you, it’s very scary actually being a parent for the first time.”
Another member of the group explained there was a lack of awareness and availability of help.
The Duchess of Cambridge said it was a “shame” there is not more services out there and insisted there should not be a stigma attached to people who seek support.
Kate said: “Dads play such an important role it shouldn’t be a bad thing to reach out for help and advice.”
In an adorable moment, the fathers introduced their young children to the call and Kate and William could not hide their joy from behind their computer.
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Earlier this year the Duchess launched a UK-wide survey to help improve early childhood.
In the online survey, called Five Big Questions, participants were asked for their opinion on what influences development and what period of childhood is most important for children’s happiness.
The results of the mass poll are due to be released in the coming weeks.
