Parents Today Devote Twice as Much Attention to Their Children

Today’s parents spend significantly more time with their children than their grandparents did in their youth. At least when it comes to the ‘middle class’, reveals Economist.

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Based on research conducted in 11 wealthy countries, it was found that in 2012, mothers spent an average of 104 minutes a day caring for their children, while in 1965, that time was only 54 minutes.

Although the time spent by men is shorter, it has still increased over the years from 16 minutes a day to 59. At the same time, the gap between working-class and middle-class parents has widened.

Highly educated mothers in 1965 spent the same amount of time with their children as mothers with lower levels of education. However, in 2012, there is a difference in time spent with children depending on education level. It was shown that in that year, highly educated mothers spent half an hour longer with their children than those without a college degree.

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The only exception is France, where the stereotype of couples sipping wine while ignoring their offspring appears. The research confirmed that it is not just a mere stereotype.