Lifestyle
In today’s world, parents are dedicating more time to their children than previous generations ever did. So, you can put down your devices and stop feeling guilty about work commitments! A recent study from the University of California, Irvine (UCI) reveals that between 1965 and 2012, mothers and fathers across various Western nations significantly increased the time they spend with their kids. The only exception? France, which didn’t show this trend.
When we think of parenting in the mid-1960s, we often picture mothers at home. However, the study found that back then, moms only engaged in child care activities for an average of 54 minutes a day. Fast forward to 2012, and that number nearly doubled to 104 minutes. Fathers made substantial gains too, increasing their time spent with kids from a mere 16 minutes in 1965 to 59 minutes daily in 2012. Now, that’s progress! The shift toward more equal parenting roles is a welcome development.
The research involved 122,271 parents from countries like Canada, the UK, the US, Denmark, and more, all of whom had at least one child under the age of 13. These parents meticulously recorded their daily activities, including meal prep, feeding, bathing, and helping with homework.
Experts believe this increase in parental engagement is tied to the “intensive parenting” trend—where modern parents, especially mothers, feel compelled to make their kids the focal point of their lives. This often means enrolling them in numerous extracurricular activities, exposing them to cultural experiences, and providing educational support. It’s exhausting just thinking about it!
Judith Lawson, UCI’s Professor of Sociology and co-author of the study, pointed out that the time spent with children is crucial for fostering positive cognitive, behavioral, and academic outcomes. She also noted that contemporary fathers, with more egalitarian views, are eager to be more involved than their own dads were.
Interestingly, the study found that parents with college degrees invest significantly more time with their kids compared to those without. Lawson expressed her surprise at this finding, noting, “According to economic theory, higher wages should discourage well-educated parents from sacrificing work to spend additional time with their children.” Yet, it appears that the trend of intensive parenting plays a role here too.
As for why France didn’t experience an increase, experts speculate that French parents may simply believe that children can thrive without drastic lifestyle changes on their part.
For more insights into parenting and fertility, check out this excellent resource on the IVF process. And if you’re curious about home insemination options, visit BabyMaker’s Home Insemination Kit for reliable information. For further reading on related topics, you can also review our terms and conditions.
In summary, modern parents are spending more time with their children than ever before, reflecting a shift toward more equal parenting roles and the rise of intensive parenting practices.