FAMILY comes first for a growing number of Australian dads as they put their kids ahead of work.

Experts believe changing attitudes towards the roles of men and improved support from workplaces have spurred the trend - with kids the big winners.

''Traditionally, the relationship of father and child has been strained because of long working hours,'' Diana Sayer, from Relationships Australia, said.

''But fathers now realise they don't need to be the sole breadwinner and want to be involved in nurturing the family''

ABS figures reveal a 45 per cent jump in dads with young children (under 15) employed part-time over the past ten years.

Even though far greater in number, those working full-time increased by only 15 per cent.

Tass Mousaferiadis, from BeyondBlue's Men's Program, said better employment policies catering to the needs of families had been a critical factor.

''Men are now requesting and demanding flexibility to participate in their children's lives,'' he said.

''Employers are doing better to be supportive of families. Healthy and happy employees means better productivity in the workplace.''

Guy Wilson has no regrets about reducing his workload to spend more time with two-year-old daughter Skye.

But the dad and painter, from Happy Valley in South Australia, believes there is still a stigma about the roles and responsibilities of men.

''I get some men asking me if I am spending my day out having coffee,'' he said.

''Some are jealous because they would like the opportunity to do it themselves. But some have an old-school mentality that the role of men is to earn the money. It's not 1962.''



Castle Hill dad, Adam Webb, is proud of his role in the lives of sons Charlie, 5, and Oliver, 3.

But a dramatic change in personal priorities and a family-friendly workplace were needed before the NSW man could put family above work.

''When Adam was working long hours, our relationship suffered,'' his wife, Penny, said.

And he missed out on some important milestones in Charlie's first 10 months of life.

Rather than missing out on more, Mr Webb negotiated working conditions that would allow him to spend one day a week at home with Charlie.

Daylesford dad Nick Wong said kids Sophia, 3, and Tom, three months, are his number one priority, above his business as an arborist.

''My daughter and I have a great bond, which I also hope to have with Tom,'' the Victorian dad said.

The arrangement has allowed his partner to return to work as a counsellor, as well as get sleep if Tom has been demanding.

And it has meant that Mr Wong has been there for the important milestones in the lives of his children.

''If I was working long hours, I would have missed out on first words, steps and the joy of hanging out with my baby.''



Mums, too, are benefiting from the shifting attitudes which has seen a 105 per cent increase in workforce participation of women since 2002.

''Men and women both now have a shared responsibility for raising their family and earning an income,'' Ms Sayer said.

And she has seen relationships between couples and their children improving because both mums and dads are less stressed.

''Kids benefit from having either parent home. It provides them with more stability,'' she explained.

''While kids may want the latest toys and technology, they really do value quality time with parents and their family. These are the lasting memories that matter.''