Researchers used 15 years of data from a large city in the Philippines that had long, strict COVID lockdowns. They followed a group of men who were about 25 years old at the start and tracked them for the next 15 years.
The team compared fathering before the pandemic with fathering after it. For most men, hands-on care, play, and help with children looked much the same after the pandemic as before. The main exception was men who went from employed to unemployed or underemployed; these fathers spent more time on childrens educational care and kept that change after the pandemic.
Researchers say workplace policies like paid paternity leave and more flexible hours could help fathers stay involved.
Difficult words
- lockdown — government rules that limit movement and activitieslockdowns
- underemployed — has work but not enough hours or pay
- paternity — workplace or legal right for fathers after birth
- flexible — able to change time or schedule easily
- hands-on — direct active care or physical involvement
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think paid paternity leave would help fathers in your country? Why or why not?
- Have you seen fathers help with their children's education? Give one short example.
- What other workplace changes could help fathers stay involved with their children?
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