Pandemic Effects on Parenting

Has gender played a role in parenting throughout the coronavirus pandemic? According to a survey from a Japanese life insurance company, the answer is yes.

In a June poll of 1,100 married men and women conducted by Meiji Yasuda, nearly three-fourths of dads felt that the quarantine had benefitted their parenting. For moms, about half reported a positive experience, however, 40% of women also noted an increase in stress.

“Many wives may have felt stressed as the routine of their child-rearing was disrupted by their children and husbands spending longer hours at home,” the report indicated.

Despite some frustrations and inconveniences, an overwhelming number of parents hoped to continue working from home following the pandemic.

“88.8% would like to continue working from home,” the poll indicated, “with 33.8% of them citing convenience in looking after children while working and 18.1% saying they wish to spend more time with their kids.”

More Results
70% of dads felt more positive about child-rearing during the stay-at-home period.
20.9% of dads said they became more proactive in caring for their children.
18.5% of dads reported closer relationships with their children.

22% of moms said they grew irritated more often with their kids.
11.3% of moms got frustrated at the way their husbands looked after their kids.
16.2% of moms reported closer relationships with their children.
12% of moms said they became more attentive to what their kids told them.