Modern dads have a closer bond with their children than they did with their own fathers:
- 6 out of 10 dads believe they enjoy a better, more supportive and hands-on relationship with their children than they themselves experienced
- 7 out of 10 dads play a bigger part in their kids’ lives than their own dad did
- 34% of fathers are now as involved in their children’s lives as mum is
British dads have a closer bond with their children than they had with their own fathers, according to research by Care.com*. A study has revealed that more than six out of ten dads believe they enjoy a better, more supportive and hands-on relationship with their children than they themselves experienced. Modern fathers also make more effort to spend time with their children, communicate more frequently and effectively with them and create interests that can be commonly shared.
When it comes to quality time, dads today are getting more involved, with seven out of ten dads playing a ‘bigger part’ in their kids’ lives than their own dad did. A further seven in ten said they were responsible for organising days out for the family. Jeff Brazier, Celebrity Dad, comments on the findings: “As a single dad of two, I make all the important parenting decisions but I think it’s great that all dads are making an effort to spend time with their children, and to take responsibility for organising fun days out with the kids. For me it’s crucial to create memories and to share as many good times as possible.”
The survey also looked into the role of the modern dad and revealed a generational shift in the way fathers parent now, with the majority mucking in with everyday tasks traditionally undertaken by mums: the school run is conducted by nearly half of all fathers (43%) and 42 per cent of dads get up in the night to check on the children. As many as 34 per cent said they were now as involved in their children’s lives as mum is. Thirteen per cent said they help as much as they can with the kids because mums have more responsibilities now, so need assistance.
Liz Fraser, Modern Family Expert for Care.com, observes: “The research shows that the ‘Modern Dad’ is fully integrated into the care of their children beyond the more traditional set up where mum was the primary lead for the day to day parental tasks. The shift demonstrates an overall move within gender roles as both men and women take on opportunities and commitments outside the household.”
The study also found around seven out of ten of today’s dads make more effort to find quality time for the kids. Around one in three said they consciously devoted more time and effort to being around their kids, mindful of a lack of time they enjoyed with their own dad. It also emerged the wide variety of activities available to modern families is helping to solidify the bond between parents and children. Six out of ten said they have shared interests with their children, including playing or watching football or rugby, swimming as well as television and film.
The most common reason for modern dads becoming closer to their children was a feeling they had to get right what their own father got wrong. When asked to look back at their own relationships with their fathers, 60 per cent of the dads surveyed said their own father was either too busy working to be fully involved in family life, while a further 30 per cent said their dad ‘showed little emotion’ towards them.
Overall the research highlights the changing perception of fatherhood and the increasing demands on parents to balance everyday tasks, family bonding and fun. Liz Fraser from Care.com comments: “Changing roles within family, the shift in employment and the new shared paternity leave laws have all helped improve the equality of parenthood responsibilities. Additionally, it’s clear that dads are taking the time to reflect on their own childhood, looking to learn from their experiences as they bond with their children. All signs seem to suggest that this more hands on approach to fatherhood is set to continue further within the Modern Family set-up.”
-ENDS-
* Research conducted by Care.com of 1,008 18+ fathers in the UK
For further information on the study or Care.com, contact:
Harriet Osbourne harriett.osborne@emanatepr.com 020 7611 3883
Hannah Wrathall Hannah.wrathall@emanatepr.com 020 7611 3599
NOTES TO EDITOR:
Care.com (NYSE: CRCM) is the world’s largest online destination for finding and managing family care. As of June 2014, the Company had 11.8 million members spanning 16 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and parts of Western Europe. Care.com’s web and mobile platforms enable families to connect to carers and caregiving services in a reliable and easy way, while also helping carers find meaningful work. Through its consumer matching platform, tools and resources, Care.com allows families to make safer, more informed hiring decisions.