'If you wouldn't do it to a mum, don't do it to a dad' Giovanna Fletcher shares powerful message about parenting balance

Giovanna Fletcher chose Father's Day to share a powerful message about the important role dads play in their families.

On Sunday, the mum-of-two posted a gorgeous black and white picture to Instagram of husband Tom holding both children (one on each hip) gazing up at the iconic Disney castle.

'Over the last three years there's one question that has started grating on me, and that's 'Is Tom a hands-on dad?',' she wrote alongside the image.

'I'll say straight away that Tom is an amazing dad. He is one half of the parenting team and we very much do everything together. I feel fully supported in the knowledge that parenting, for us, is a mutual responsibility. I wouldn't be able to have children and keep working in the way I am without having Tom to tag team with.'

Pointing out that no one would ever ask Tom the same of her, she continues: 'With more and more women going back to work it's impossible for them to keep such a tight hold of the reigns. Control and responsibly have to be passed over to the dads, because parenting is a full time role within itself and if both parents are out working and keeping the family afloat financially then it's only right that the demands of family life get distributed equally too.'

'Don't dumb down my husband or any other dad who's decided to accept the shift and readjust accordingly for the good of the family. Don't treat dads who interact with their children like they’re doing something alien that warrants your praise.'

'If you wouldn't do it to a mum, don't do it to a dad.'

The post has been met with swathes of support from her 860,000 followers, with many taking to the comment section to celebrate their own hands-on husbands.

'Whenever I go out for a few drinks with my friends I get asked if my husband is babysitting! Ummmmmm no he's just at home with his children!!' wrote one.

Another said: 'This is so bloody true!! I also get asked the same question time and time again!'

A third added: 'Absolutely agree. My girls have an amazing dad and wouldn't be nearly as happy or get half the enjoyment out of life without him and his crazy ways. As a team we make their world complete.'