The present paper explores Middle Eastern men’s narratives on everyday family life and fatherhood in Sweden. The analysis is based on individual interviews and diary notes. Swedish society differs from Middle Eastern societies in many respects; it offers comprehensive rights to extensive social welfare benefits, but also demands that newly arrived migrants participate in language studies, accept trainee positions, and actively search for employment. These requirements apply to mothers as well as fathers. Life in Sweden is challenging for refugees; many face long-term unemployment and welfare dependence. The present analysis shows how Syrian and Iraqi fathers’ downward social mobility, with radically changed material and financial means, influences their caring and domestic practices. In part, they take on ‘female’ duties and share chores with their spouse more equally. The study illuminates that fathering is dynamic and prone to change; (migrant) men adjust their strategies to provide the best possible circumstances and future prospects for their children. This challenges the notion that (migrant) fathering and masculinity are fixed.