Just like mobile apps and hardware receive updates from time to time, over the generations, dads too have upgraded from traditional strict fathers into more fun and hands-on versions. The distant dads of the past who operated only on the ‘strict mode’ have now been successfully replaced by very child-friendly versions that come with many fun features pre-installed.

But this is not to say that there was anything wrong with the older versions. Like every piece of technology is extremely useful and well-celebrated during its era, dads too have played very vital roles and were dearly adored in whatever mode they came. Each type of father has been the product of his time and circumstances, and has done his best to be the best version of a dad to his kids.

On this Father’s Day, here is a light-hearted attempt to look at the evolution of dads over the years, and celebrate him in whichever version he comes.

Fathers have changed a lot over the decades, updating their styles to fit the times. Dive into the history of the ‘dad software’ and celebrate every version this Father’s Day!

The silent generation

These are of your great-grandfather’s era, when a father was an authority figure whom everyone feared but respected, loved but did not hug, and took orders from but hardly spoke to. He was like a secure central mainframe that operated under a strict permission protocol, so not everyone could access him or send a direct message.

These fathers of the World Wars and the political unrest of the Partition were dedicated breadwinners and protectors. Like a heavy-duty firewall, they stood between their local network, the family, and all incoming data, whether it was an outside person or a chaotic influence. He made every decision for everyone, and his was the only permission that mattered. He ran the entire operating system, and he was the only one who held all the passwords.

All this may sound a bit too dictatorial, but, in reality, it was a very heavy burden that he alone carried on his shoulders. Being the sole provider and responsible for everyone isn’t a walk in the park. This father had a lot on his mind, so he remained silent until he had something important to announce — like a screen that remains blank until there is an important notification to share.

Their default settings were entirely focused on maintaining order and financial stability, therefore emotional expression or physical care were not something they were programmed to perform.

Baby Boomer dads

These hardworking dads (born roughly between 1946 and 1964) carried on the provider traits of the previous generations. They too had been programmed to suppress expressions of emotions and their way of showing love was to provide for the family in kind, through provisions. Financial support and material provisions were their love language, and the family knew this was how his software processed love.

Communication opened up a bit with this generation of dads. They spent time with the family, doing fun activities together, though still no household chores, and they even listened to what career paths the kids wanted to pursue.

The Baby Boomer dads were a hybrid system, still working on the strict old-school code of their fathers, but adapting to a developing world by installing some family fun and bonding into their system. They are credited with the installation of the ‘quality time’ update in the dad software.

Gen X dads

The Gen X dads (born roughly between 1965 and 1980) came with a major update: they were the first present, always-there-for-the-kids kind of dads. They didn’t want to be a mystery to their kids as their dads were to them, so they connected more, played more and cared more.

They did not operate on a ‘full control mode’, so these dads allowed the kids more freedom. After installing the basic survival skills, these dads let the kids face the world on their own and fix any ‘bugs’ they encountered. But they were approachable enough to be there when needed.

But the authority mode stayed on all the time, albeit in its milder form, which somewhat accepted rebellion but did not approve it always. They still sometimes struggled with verbal affirmation and show of vulnerability. But their love was very apparent in their connection with every aspect of their children’s lives, be it playing sports with them, cooking an occasional weekend family meal or taking the family on fun-filled vacations.

Millennial dads

Millennial dads (born between 1981 and 1996) totally changed the dad ecosystem. They uninstalled the “detached provider” mode to roll out a massive update: the co-parent.

They are totally hands-on fathers who do everything for and with their kids — they change nappies, put the kids to sleep, calm a crying child and cook for them. Any parenting task that was unthinkable for previous generations has been successfully installed in their software, turning them into the ultimate, multi-tasking and hands-on dads.

Millennial dads also come with a major emotional interface upgrade. They talk about their feelings and you can talk to them about yours. They hug you and need frequent hugs from you. They cry when you cry. They share jokes and you can share your secrets. They are your greatest cheerleader and often best friend.

While the older generations used criticism or strict discipline to keep kids in line, millennial dads use praise, gentle encouragement and celebrating every win. They actively try to learn how to be better as a parent — reading research, seeking guidance, and learning games, recipes and the trendy vocabulary.

As the first generation to grow up alongside the rise of the internet, video games and smartphones, these dads are true tech experts. They are better equipped to indulge in digital navigation and games with the kids, while being experts in online monitoring and control. They can effortlessly set up screen-time filters and keep a watchful eye on online safety to ensure perfect digital boundaries to balance screen time with real-world fun.

Gen Z dads

As the youngest dads entering the scene, those born roughly between 1997 and 2012 are true digital natives and the most adaptive fathers yet. They often think of themselves simply as a co-parent rather than a traditional father. Since mothers in this era are also working, these young dads are fully ready to take on any and all parenting roles.

Gen Z dads are frequently part of the work-from-home generation, making them a constant presence in the house unlike their predecessors. They are thus effortlessly dual-processing their career tasks and family life without letting either system crash. They are constantly striving to become better at the job of parenting rather than acting like the boss of the house, often prioritising their child’s mental health and well-being over their grades.

However, since the Gen Z update is still booting up, there are bound to be further improvements along the way. Any little glitches that appear in the system are sure to be patched and addressed immediately.

Over the generations, fathers have updated their styles with time, moving from strict leaders to hands-on best friends. But no matter what version of a dad you have, the power source behind him remains the same – love and protection.

Published in Dawn, Young World, June 20th, 2026