Virus upside: Dads see lot more of kids
Studies reveal fathers enjoy it so much they’re worried about what happens after the pandemic
Many dads in B.C. say the COVID-19 pandemic has brought them closer to their children and they are worried about going back to their old lives when they were too busy with commutes and working long hours, suggests a pair of new studies.
The first study, a survey conducted in May on behalf of the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation by Intensions Consulting, asked B.C. fathers about the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on their role as fathers.
It found that 59 per cent of B.C. dads felt closer to their children, while 48 per cent said they were more aware of their importance as a father.
Thirty-eight per cent said they felt the lockdown has had a positive impact on their roles.
“Even though families have faced stressors and challenges with COVID-19, we recognize that fathers have been granted a golden opportunity to take time to slow down and connect with their children,” said B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix, in a statement released by CMHF.
“Many parents work full time and commute, and when that is taken away, they have more opportunities for togetherness, like a game of catch or going for a hike. Men’s health is impacted by their living situations, and getting a little more physical activity with their kids is a little thing that makes a big difference.
“We can learn from this pandemic in more ways than we think.”
Almost two-thirds of fathers have been providing companionship to their children more often during lockdown, and almost half plan to continue doing so as restrictions are lifted, the survey found.
More than half (57 per cent) said they have been providing guidance to their children more often, while 62 per cent are eating more meals with their kids.
In a separate online survey, The Men’s Initiative at UBC conducted virtual focus groups with fathers.
Many fathers described a hectic family dynamic before COVID-19 with busy lives focused on long work days with commuting, eating on the run, and their kids’ extracurricular activities.
They also expressed concern about returning to the old normal and a desire to make changes moving forward.
“We know the active and positive presence of fathers in their children’s lives has a positive effect on those children’s mental and physical well-being and reduces the frequency of their negative behaviours,” said Dr. David Kuhl, co-founder of TMI, in a statement.
Founding chair of CMHF Dr. Larry Goldenberg said if the COVID-19 lockdown accelerates the movement of dads to be more engaged with their children, that could be a lasting benefit from an otherwise tragic public health crisis.
The first study was conducted online between May 8 and May 12, 2020 on behalf of the not-for-profit CMHF by Intensions Consulting. It asked 301 B.C. fathers about the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on their family lives.
The second study was conducted online between May 25 and May 29 by TMI at UBC. It invited fathers from across Canada to participate in onehour focus groups to discuss their experiences of fatherhood during COVID-19.
Forty-five fathers from across Canada who had children under the age of 19 living with them participated in the focus groups.
We can learn from this pandemic in more ways than we think.”
Health Minister Adrian Dix