- COVID lockdowns changed some fathers' time at home.
- A study looked at men in one city.
- The city had long and strict lockdowns.
- Researchers watched the same men for many years.
- Most fathers returned to their previous routines.
- Only fathers with job loss changed their care.
- Those fathers helped more with children's school tasks.
- This change lasted after the pandemic ended.
- Experts suggest paid leave and flexible hours.
- Better work rules can help fathers keep caring.
Difficult words
- lockdown — a period when people must stay at homelockdowns
- researcher — a person who studies and finds informationResearchers
- routine — normal things you do every dayroutines
- job loss — when someone stops working at their job
- care — help and attention for a person or child
- paid leave — paid time off from work for employees
- flexible hours — work times that can change for workers
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Did your father help with school tasks during lockdowns?
- Do you think paid leave helps fathers care for children?
- Would flexible hours help parents in your family?
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