Paternity
 March 3, 2005

If it seems like fathers are expressing the need for greater time to deal with family issues, it’s probably because they are. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, fathers in 1977 spent 1.8 hours per workday with their children. In 2002 the figure jumped to 3.4 hours. Men are also taking on a bigger share of work around the house. In 1977 married men spent an average of 1.2 hours per workday doing household chores compared to 3.3 hours for married women. In 2002 the figure is 1.9 hours for men and 2.7 hours for women. The result is that in 1992 68% of college educated men sought jobs with more responsibility. In 2002 that figure is 52%. The result of all this is, despite the increased availability of child care options and working women, the average couple spends a combined average of 6.1 hours a day with their children compared to 5.1 in 1977.