Fathers stay home

Today, there are 10 times more stay-at-home fathers than a decade ago.

A poll carried out by insurance firm Aviva found that 6% of fathers are now the primary carer of their child. Most of the stay-at-home dads had taken on the role because the mother earns more money. Nevetheless, nearly a third said they found childcare more rewarding than their previous paid employment.

Another poll by telecoms group Orange found that up to a fifth of working fathers would take six months’ paternity leave when it becomes available next year, but 47% would not because of concern over money.