I'M sure I don't need to remind you that Father's Day is almost upon us.
You already know that because we have been bombarded with adverts for gifts and cards for dads.
Realistically though, do they really need more automatic screwdrivers, ties, aftershave or that novelty beer glass? I don't think so.
But as we approach Father's Day, it appears that now more than ever, the traditional role of dads is changing.
While being the breadwinner has often been regarded as an integral part of being a father, many parents now feel the most important job is to be a good role model for their children.
Being the main earner has been classed as only the eighth most important job for dads in a survey commissioned to coincide with Father's Day this Sunday.
Showing 'how a good man acts' topped the list of the 15 jobs for dads - with 83 per cent of respondents citing it as the most important.
The survey of 1,075 men and women reveals that giving children moral guidance was ranked as second most important.
It also appears mums want their husbands to be a bit more like David Beckham and be more metrosexual with many commenting that they prefer the 'softie dad' image, with fathers expected to be 'kind and fun'.
Mums questioned in the poll said they wanted their children to have a father who plays with them and they also said that helping with hobbies was among the top priorities.
The study from parenting site Netmums found mothers preferred this new modern dad to someone who is successful at work and earns lots of money.
It found that 88 per cent of parents agreed that the role of dads has changed rapidly over the last generation, with a man's career increasingly seen as being of secondary importance to his family.
While 89 per cent of fathers felt under pressure to earn a good wage, just 1.5 per cent of mothers were concerned about their partner being rich or climbing the career ladder.
Parents agreed the most damaging issue to modern fatherhood is that motherhood is widely celebrated yet fatherhood is not yet seen on the same level, with 47 per cent viewing this as a major problem.
Anne-Marie O'Leary from Netmums said: ``Modern mums want dads to 'man down' not 'man up'.
"Being part of the family and fully involved is far more important than bringing home a hefty pay packet or looking gym-toned. The role of dads is changing rapidly and men and women are starting to share all the household roles more equally.
"The dad revolution is a real chance for men to ditch the pressure to be macho, enjoy their children more and get closer to their families."
The traditional role of the father as a provider and defender of his children and family has remained the same for centuries.
But several decades of encouraging equality has paved the way for a changing role and this is reflected in how dads are now much more hands-on.
Today's father has the opportunity to take part in many positive and profound experiences that were often denied or unavailable to his own father or grandfather.
This new generation of fathers is much more interested in being present at kids' activities and the changes have definite benefits for the whole family - it is a change for the better.
If you are part of the newer generation of dads, take advantage of the opportunities you have to share in your son or daughter's development.
And if you are part of the old school of fatherhood and feel you have missed out, it's not too late to become more involved.
So forget the silly card and not-so-funny present, and continue to embrace the new generation of dads this Father's Day.
