While 83% of parents believe society’s attitudes towards childcare have changed since they were young, two thirds (64%) of mothers are still the primary carer for their children, compared to just a third (36%) of fathers.

While workplaces are increasingly family friendly, offering flexible working hours, the option to work from home and shared maternity/paternity leave, two-fifths (41%) of parents don’t think fathers are held to the same standards by society as mums.

Mothers also get less recognition for their contribution – 12% are never praised for looking after their children, compared to just 4% of men. Men also have more leisure time without their children. On average, men go out five times a month without their children, compared to women at only four times. One in twelve (8%) parents never go out without their children.

The research also showed there are other significant differences between the sexes, with a quarter (25%) of women using the term ‘my’ rather ‘our’ to describe their children, compared to just 13% of men.

Jane Morgan, business manager at Direct Line Life Insurance, said: “While how we view childcare may be changing, the research shows there are still a few differences between the sexes, with the responsibility of looking after the children being different in every household across the country.  There are many competing pressures as a parent and time can feel like an incredibly precious commodity.”

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