Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Category:
Home Improvements
According to research conducted by The Children’s Mutual, there has been a rise in the number of fathers staying at home to look after their children, as opposed to going out to work.
According to research conducted by The Children’s Mutual, there has been a rise in the number of fathers staying at home to look after their children, as opposed to going out to work. In fact, it was found that 26 percent of fathers commenced part-time hours following the birth of their children. Further findings revealed that 24 percent embarked upon flexible working patterns, and 14 percent put a complete end to working outside the home.
In relation to the recession, 43 percent of fathers have reportedly responded to it by increasing the amount of time they spend helping around the house. Furthermore, only 27 percent feel that they now need to focus more of their attention on earning money.
The research uncovered that stay-at-home fathers spend the largest proportion of their time each week tending to their children. In fact, it was found that 4 hours and 22 minutes is spent on this. In addition, 3 hours and 50 minutes is spent cooking, and 3 hours and 45 minutes is spent organising the family finances. Compared to fathers that work full-time, stay-at-home fathers have more time with their children and yet the research revealed that they wish they could spend an extra hour a day with them.
Further findings included a comparison between the perceptions of ‘traditional’ fathers and more ‘modern’ fathers. In response to being asked to describe both groups, stay-at-home fathers felt that the top three responsibilities of a modern father involve contributing to childcare, domestic tasks and family finances. In contrast, they felt that the top three responsibilities of a traditional father involve being the main breadwinner, contributing to family finances and holding a full-time job.
With regard to the preferred option, 40 percent said that they are ‘happy being a mix of traditional and modern’; whilst 65 percent said that they are ‘satisfied with the role they play as stay-at-home dads’. Among the latter, 53 percent admitted that they are faced with ‘challenges and even prejudice’ for their choice to be a stay-at-home father.
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Homeowners who have recently started a family, and could do with some extra living space, could consider taking out a
secured loan for home improvements. One of many finance options available, a secured loan could pave the way to that ideal property without the upheaval of moving. For example, borrowers could add an extension or conservatory to their home in order to create more space. Furthermore, an unused room or attic could be converted into a useful nursery or office. Some borrowers may also wish to have their garden landscaped to create the perfect outdoor area for their family to enjoy.
