Millions of British Dads Feel They Are PUPs

Posted on the 19 June 2015 by 72point @72hub

Millions of British dads feel they are actually PUPs - 'put upon pas', according to new research.

Seven out of 10 fathers said their offspring only call when they need something, assuming he will drop everything to help out.

But they feel forgotten about and not even called on key dates such as Father's Day and birthdays.

Nearly half of all adults (45 per cent) admit they ALWAYS ask dad to do certain things because they see it as 'his job' as their father.

Fifteen per cent said even their dad having a 'major health scare' wouldn't stop them from ever taking their old man for granted.

Father-of-two Rory McGrath and spokesman for Taken 3, marking the launch of Blu-ray and DVD release of the film, said: "While most of us dads aren't usually called upon to save our families from peril like Liam Neeson's character Bryan Mills in the Taken films, we're often the first port of call whenever our children need help or advice on something.

"I've got a son and a daughter in their twenties who are fairly self-sufficient now, thank goodness, but in the not too distant past I have been the classic bank of dad, dad's taxi service and dad's removal van.

"I think it's an absolute must that our children should be able to rely on us totally in times of need but sad to read that 7 out of ten fathers feel taken for granted unless the children are in times of trouble.

"We've never been big on anniversaries and such in our family and we play down the greeting cards side of things but I must say I am secretly over the moon to get a card on my birthday or father's day.

"I hope that this Father's Day, sons and daughters take a moment to show some gratitude for us dads. A phone call is always nice. Reverse charges is fine."

The study of 2,000 adults and 1,000 dads found just under half of Brits feel they take their dad for granted, with another 18 per cent saying they used to but have learnt to appreciate him more as they have grown up and that we finally stop taking dad for granted when we reach 45.

And of those who take their dad for granted, while the majority think something like having children of their own or a health scare will make them appreciate their dad more, 15 per cent don't think it will ever change.

Seventy-one per cent just assume their dad will always be there when they need something doing, with 39 per cent even admitting they get annoyed at their father if they aren't able to do things as soon as they call.

Lending money is the top thing Brits take for granted dad will always do, followed by helping with DIY, providing a taxi service when needed and fixing their car.

Helping with a house move, giving money advice, helping with grandchildren and being available to help shop around for a new car also feature on the list.

Keeping the car clean and maintained and picking them up after a night out in pubs or clubs complete the top ten things dads are just expected to do.

Thirty-seven per cent have even called their poor dad out early in the morning or late at night, regardless of what else they might be doing.

It also emerged 29 per cent only really call or speak to their dad when they need something

And despite the constant assumptions they will be there to help whenever needed, dads shouldn't expect too much from their children this Father's Day with more than one in ten admitting they did nothing to celebrate the day with their dad last year.

Two thirds even admitted they have no idea when Father's Day is, instead relying on their mum, siblings or partner to remind them.

But most dads are happy with a token gesture, with 82 per cent saying they would simply like to receive a phone call from each of their children on Father's Day rather than an expensive or elaborate present.

The study also saw Taken's Bryan Mills named the best fictional dad, followed by Homer Simpson, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air's Uncle Phil, George Banks from Father of the Bride and Jim's Dad in American Pie.

Meanwhile, David Beckham was named the best celebrity dad, along with Peter Andre, Will Smith, Brad Pitt and Prince William.

The survey was run to coincide with the release of Taken 3, which is available now on Blu-ray and DVD (courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment)

Top twenty best fictional dads

2. Homer Simpson - The Simpsons

3. Uncle Phil - The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

4. George Banks - Father of the Bride

5. Jim's Dad - American Pie

6. Carlisle Cullen - Twilight

7. Mick Carter - EastEnders

8. Daniel Hillard - Mrs Doubtfire

9. Phil Dunphy - Modern Family

10. Ned Flanders - The Simpson

11. Jack Geller - Friends

12. Chris Gardener - The Pursuit of Happyness

13. Ken Barlow - Coronation Street

14. Robert Crawley - Downton Abbey

15. Jim Royale - The Royale Family

16. Tony Soprano - The Sopranos

17. Captain Von Trapp - The Sound of Music

18. Dr Jake Houseman - Dirty Dancing

19. Jack Byrnes - Meet the Parents

20. Ross Poldark - Poldark

Top twenty celebrity dads