New age fathers

"I did the last feed at 11pm last night," Ben chimed about his newborn. "And boiled the water this morning at 5.30am before going out to work."

Fatherhood used to be considered a part-time job. It was something men did at the end of the day between watching the evening news and going to bed.

As a matter of fact, in the past 15-20 years or so, it has been included in men's resumes. It is now something that commands respect.

When I was growing up, fathers used to be a bit of an enigma. What did you know about the man.....really?

He picked up prescriptions from the pharmacy, bring the car around to the door when it was pouring rain, put Christmas tree lights on the branches.

A new generation of fathers is emerging who want to do more than be spectators or reigning monarchs over a family. They want to be equal in it. They've even stepped up their hours.