Why Dads4Kids Exists: Turning the Tide on Fatherlessness
Ten months ago, I was honoured to take on the role of leading Dads4Kids as CEO. It’s been challenging at times, but what an absolute joy to be at the helm of an amazing harm prevention charity committed to helping dads be the best they can be for their children.
So why does Dads4Kids exist? Watch the video below to find out, or read on below.
Since 2002, Dads4Kids has worked tirelessly to turn the tide of fatherlessness, which has been shown to cause significant social harms.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 870,000 children, around 1 in 6, live without their biological father at home. The data shows that fatherlessness contributes to almost all the social issues facing our nation today. The statistics are grim, but there is hope, and Dads4Kids is leading the way, pushing back against the tide.
How do I know this? Because I’ve been there from the start.
In 2002, my father, Dads4Kids cofounder Warwick Marsh, and I filmed the first-ever Fatherhood Foundation, now Dads4Kids, TV ads. With Alison Marsh’s — my Mum’s — help, we sent them out to every Australian TV Network for airing as Community Service Announcements. Every year since, we have continued pushing out positive fathering stories, reaching millions.
24 years later, the picture quality of our early TV Ads is ordinary, but the message and heart behind it certainly is not. As the little boy says in the ad, “Dad taught me it’s more important how I play than having to win the game. So, because I tried, I was my dad’s hero.” Dads4Kids’ dream is to continue making dads and their kids everyday heroes all across Australia!
Every week, we encourage and support dads through our website, our free email newsletter, our courses for dads, and all the other programs and events that we run. I’m so thankful to regularly speak with fathers from all walks of life. Just last week, a single dad from Canberra reached out to Dads4Kids for support. I was able to encourage and pray for him.
The critical work of Dads4Kids – encouraging fathers to help their children be the best they can be – continues. But we need your support. The work takes time and costs money. Amazingly, Dads4Kids is 100% crowd-funded, not government-funded, as that often comes with strings attached. Financial donations from our wonderful supporters are vitally needed and very much appreciated.
On Thursday night, the 18th of June 2026, at 8 pm NSW time (AEST), I’m hosting a live webinar with some special guests to share more about the work of Dads4Kids. Click here to register – I’d love to see you there!
Yes, the needs are great, but Dads4Kids’ vision to transform the nation by inspiring fathers to help their children be the best they can be is greater. By God’s grace, the work of Dads4Kids will continue, and we will see the tide of fatherlessness turn. Please consider joining us on the journey, and I look forward to seeing you soon.
Lovework
Thank you for your support of Dads4Kids’ vision and mission. The important work of Dads4Kids is needed more than ever. If you’re a praying person, please keep us in your prayers. If you’re able to, please join us for the Free Live Webinar (on Zoom) and an exciting announcement at 8 pm on Thursday, the 18th June 2026 – Register here.
Yours for Dads4Kids,
Nathaniel Marsh
P.S. If you’re near the beautiful Bega (south-east NSW) area this Thursday evening, 11th June, please consider joining me at Bega Shed Happens. It’s at Grace Shed, 14 Church Street, Bega, and will be a great night of encouragement for blokes. Please email info@dads4kids.org.au or call Dads4Kids on 02 4272 6677 for more info.
P.P.S. Dads4Kids continues to go from strength to strength, and I’m excited for the future. Please consider joining us for the Dads4Kids Live Webinar on Zoom, 8 pm (AEST), Thursday, 18th June. Register here today, and please invite friends and family to join us to learn more about the important work of Dads4Kids. See you on the 18th of June!
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Republished with thanks to Dads4Kids. Image courtesy of Adobe.
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