Nearly two-thirds of fathers admit they are jealous of stay-at-home dads, a new survey revealed.

Although men are more involved in the lives of their children than ever before, men still feel a bit of guilt over the amount of time they spend with their kids.

A new joint report by Today and Fatherly found that 28 percent of men felt they weren't providing enough money for their family but didn't want to be at work.

However, some have no guilt over their work and family balance, and 26 percent of husbands admitted they hid in the bathroom to escape their parenting duties.

Previous studies show that children benefit from more time spent with their father, having higher intelligence levels and a healthier weight.

Although fathers are more involved in the lives of their children than ever before, a quarter of men still feel a bit of guilt over the time they spend with their kids, a new US survey revealed

The study used an online survey to question 1,200 dads on their feelings about their performance as a family man.

Joshua David Stein, the editor-at-large of Fatherly and father of two sons, said: 'Women have struggled with this for generations, and all of a sudden we understand — "Oh, this is what it feels like to choose between wanting to be with your family and making money."'

In the study, a quarter of dads said they felt pressure to keep up with gender roles and to be the breadwinner of the family, saying they weren't making as much money as they would like for their family.

Nearly 20 percent said they felt guilty about not being 'present' enough with their kids and 17 percent reported they felt bad about how much they worked.

Sixty-three percent of working fathers admitted they envy dads who stay at home.

This is compared to the 26 percent of fathers who said they feel no guilt about their work and family balance.

CHILDREN WITH HANDS-ON FATHERS ARE SMARTER Fathers who spend quality time with their children in their first few months of life have a positive impact on their baby's later intelligence, according to a study published in May. Having a sensitive, calm and less anxious father also results in more intelligent youngsters, the research added. Father engagement was found to boost a child's abilities regardless of family income. Study author Professor Paul Ramchandani, of Imperial College London, said: 'The clear message for new fathers here is to get stuck in and play with your baby. 'Even when they're really young playing and interacting with them can have a positive effect.' Advertisement

More than half of fathers would rather spend time at home compared to the 49 percent who said they would opt for a raise instead.

However, just because they want to be at home doesn't mean these dads necessarily want to split parental duties with their partner.

Half of dads said their partner has more childcare responsibilities than them, but only 10 percent actually feel bad about that.

In fact, 26 percent of men said they hid in the bathroom to avoid some fatherly duties.

Previous studies show kids benefit from quality time with their fathers.

Children with hands-on fathers are a third less likely to become obese, research shows.

Men can have a significant impact on the health of their child simply by playing an active role in their upbringing, the findings suggest.

Experts said if fathers are involved, mothers are less stressed – which in turn improves children’s wellbeing and diet.

Fathers also have a unique impact as they are more likely to engage in active play with their child, meaning they do more physical exercise and get outside more.

Having an older father is more likely to make you an intelligent ‘geek’ who doesn’t care as much about fitting in.

Children born to men over 45 also tend to do better at school and in the workplace, research by King’s College London found.

It is thought this is because older fathers are a different sort of role model and provide a better learning environment, usually being wealthier, better qualified and with a more established career.