Fatherhood has long been a point of contention in the world of Dragon Ball. The series has a few highs and numerous lows in terms of parenting moments among its main heroes. The character probably least expected to become a father after his introduction, Vegeta, has come a long way in how he treats his children. Still, the question remains: is Vegeta a bad father? The answer depends on who you ask.

It's no secret that Saiyans don't make the best fathers, and Vegeta's parenting style throughout the series has been a mixed bag, to say the least. To be fair, there are many factors to consider when debating the kind of father that Vegeta has become. While he certainly could have turned out a lot worse, considering how he used to be a lot worse, parenting styles aren't typically quite as subjective as they have become in Dragon Ball.

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Vegeta is Father of the Millennium by Saiyan Standards

Vegeta shows Trunks hold to hold Bulla properly in Dragon Ball Super

Saiyan fathers usually don't have an active role -- or indeed any role -- in the lives of their offspring. As a warrior race, babies are born to be soldiers, so things such as loving parental bonds are discouraged to keep anyone from getting too soft. Vegeta is a rare exception in that he had a relationship with his own father, but only because he is a prince, so he needed to be groomed to one day sit on the Saiyan throne. Even so, Vegeta was not doted on by his father -- he was simply a vessel for his father's legacy.

Given Saiyan culture and how he was raised, the fact that Vegeta ever even sees his children makes him a better father than most Saiyans -- although it took Vegeta a while to shake off his Saiyan habits as a father, considering that in Dragon Ball Z, he didn't care enough about his infant son to even save his life. These days, in Dragon Ball Super, Vegeta is much more involved in his children's lives, training them, fighting for them and even occasionally doting on them.

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Vegeta wished to give his daughter a traditional Saiyan name and surprisingly refused to leave his wife's side toward the end of her pregnancy. Vegeta could conceivably be the first Saiyan father in history to hold his daughter and seems certain to be the only one who's changed a diaper -- and expertly at that. Admittedly, Saiyan fatherhood is a very low bar, but Vegeta has changed the game nonetheless by genuinely caring for his children.

Vegeta Isn't a Great Father by Human Standards

Vegeta, Bulma, and Trunks at an amusement park in Dragon Ball Super

Considering that his wife is human and his children half-human hybrids, Vegeta's parenting style must be held to human standards as well. This, however, paints the Saiyan Prince in a much less flattering light. Vegeta still has a habit of spending six months or more literally worlds away from his family so he can train. A father who is mostly not around but is kind of nice during his rare visits still isn't a net positive for his parenting skills. Moreover, even when he is around, he's usually still training, so quality time with his children is hardly his priority.

While Vegeta has indulged in human fatherly behavior, such as going on a family excursion to an amusement park, he was still broody and bailed early. By human standards, Vegeta could be much worse as a father, but he could also be much better. So, is Vegeta a bad father? Not really -- he's just far from a great one. Vegeta's parenting style certainly leaves another Saiyan who shall remain nameless in the dust, but just as there's always new power to achieve, there are always ways to become a better father.

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