Fathers spend seven times more with their kids now than in the ’70s

When it comes to family, the more time spent together, the better the chance to bond over quality experiences. Traditionally, mothers stayed at home and fathers were the family breadwinners -often rarely seeing their children.

In the past few decades, however, things have changed, and fathers spend seven times more with their children than in the 1970s. While the time is still much lower than that of mothers, there is an awareness for more equal family roles.

Interestingly, last week also marked the UN’s International Day of Families, celebrated each May 15 for over 20 years. The day is also meant to reflect on the importance of family, as well as to increase knowledge and awareness on social, economic and demographic issues that affect families around the world. Each year has a theme; this year it is gender equality in the contemporary family.

With more women working, fathers are taking more time from their working lives to enjoy their children, while playing a larger part in family care.

Although women are still the majority of stay-at-home parents, the number of stay-at-home dads has nearly doubled since 1989.

Do you think fathers spend more time with their children today than in the past? Would you like to see anything different?