Primary caregiving fathers (PCGFs) are a growing population that experience unique struggles on a day-to-day basis. The current study aimed to explore how fathers interpret and experience their daily responsibilities and interactions with social support, as they undertake their roles as primary caregivers. Using grounded theory, 14 PCGFs defined as those providing sole care for their 1–10 year olds for at least 25 h per week, participated in semi-structured interviews regarding their experiences of fatherhood and social supports. Participants highlighted the ways in which social support, particularly adult companionship, helped them find a social balance and allowed them to re-energise and be better fathers. In particular, the men reported that interaction with people with similar experiences was important in helping them to discursively negotiate their non-traditional roles. Analysis revealed a three-stage identity transition process where the men initially took on primary responsibility, then began to embody the primary care giver role, and finally transitioned to a new normal. The PCGFs in the study provide evidence that we may be observing a shift from what may be classed as outdated notions of one-dimensional fathering to a more well-informed masculine ideal that embraces caring and nurturing qualities. However, providing further avenues of support for PCFGs is important in order to mitigate possible social isolation and to enhance their wellbeing.

初级照顾父亲（PCGF）是一个不断增长的人口，每天都经历着独特的挣扎。当前的研究旨在探讨父亲在担当主要照顾者的角色时如何诠释和体验他们的日常职责以及与社会支持的互动。根据扎根理论，有14种PCGF被定义为那些为其1至10岁的孩子提供每周至少25小时的单独照料的PCGF，他们参加了关于其父亲身分和社会支持经历的半结构化访谈。与会者强调了社会支持，特别是成人陪伴，如何帮助他们找到社会平衡，并使他们重新焕发活力，成为更好的父亲。特别是，这些人报告说，与具有类似经验的人进行互动对于帮助他们以话语权地谈判他们的非传统角色非常重要。分析显示，身份过渡过程分为三个阶段，其中男性最初承担主要责任，然后开始体现初级护理人员的角色，最后过渡到新的常态。该研究中的PCGF提供了证据，表明我们可能正在观察从一维父亲教养的过时观念转变为更善于掌握关怀和养育品质的男性理想。但是，为减轻PCFG的负担提供进一步的渠道很重要，以减轻可能的社会隔离并增进其福祉。分析显示，身份过渡过程分为三个阶段，其中男性最初承担主要责任，然后开始体现初级护理人员的角色，最后过渡到新的常态。该研究中的PCGF提供了证据，表明我们可能正在观察从一维父亲教养的过时观念转变为更善于掌握关怀和养育品质的男性理想。但是，为减轻PCFG的负担提供更多的渠道很重要，以减轻可能的社会隔离并增进其福祉。分析显示，身份过渡过程分为三个阶段，其中男性最初承担主要责任，然后开始体现初级护理人员的角色，最后过渡到新的常态。该研究中的PCGF提供了证据，表明我们可能正在观察从一维父亲教养的过时观念转变为更善于掌握关怀和养育品质的男性理想。但是，为减轻PCFG的负担提供进一步的渠道很重要，以减轻可能的社会隔离并增进其福祉。该研究中的PCGF提供了证据，表明我们可能正在观察从一维父亲教养的过时观念转变为更善于掌握关怀和养育品质的男性理想。但是，为减轻PCFG的负担提供进一步的渠道很重要，以减轻可能的社会隔离并增进其福祉。该研究中的PCGF提供了证据，表明我们可能正在观察从一维父亲教养的过时观念转变为更善于掌握关怀和养育品质的男性理想。但是，为减轻PCFG的负担提供更多的渠道很重要，以减轻可能的社会隔离并增进其福祉。