The myth of the perfect dad: One in five Brits would swap their father

If your relationship with your dad is a tricky one, you’re not alone, new research has revealed.

One in five Brits have admitted they would swap their dad given the chance, while one in three pretend they have a better relationship with their father than they really do.

Many also confessed that they buy Father’s Day cards out of obligation rather than love, according to the survey by online greetings card marketplace thortful.

The research busts the myth of the perfect dad or hero father celebrated by the gift industry, which can leave people agonising over which greeting card to buy.

It also found that one in four would rather celebrate their mum than their dad on Father’s Day.

thortful has launched a new campaign called “Dad’s not perfect… but” challenging the idea of the “best dad ever” stereotype ahead of the event on June 21.

The company is offering 50 specially designed cards providing an option for those who do not have the perfect relationship.

They also reflect that Father’s Day can be shaped by loss, absence, distance or a relationship that simply isn’t straightforward.

Andy Pearce, founder and CEO of thortful said: “Father’s Day can bring up a real mix of emotions.

“My own experience of losing my father was one of the catalysts for this campaign, because I know first-hand that the day does not look or feel the same for everyone.

“Our research shows that plenty of Brits are navigating relationships with their dads that are more complex than traditional cards tend to allow for, and we wanted to create a range that makes space for that.

“These cards are about honesty, humour and genuine relationships, giving people a way to mark Father’s Day in a way that reflects their actual relationship, not the one they feel they are supposed to have.”

Pip Heywood, MD at thortful, added: “Our research shows that Father’s Day messaging needs a reality check and at thortful we are championing a new kind of Father’s Day – one that reflects real life, not just clichés.

“Ultimately, we want to help people mark Father’s Day in a way that is true to them, without the pressure to pretend their relationship is something it is not.”

thortful’s alternative Father’s Day card range is available here.