Traditionally, it has been seen as a woman’s role to care for children while her male partner is at work. 43 per cent of women work part-time, compared to only 19 per cent of men. When asked why they don’t work full-time, 35 per cent of women nominate caring for children as the reason.
However, attitudes are changing, with many families recognising the benefits of shared caring responsibilities.
17 per cent of paid parental leave is now taken by men, up from 12 per cent in 2022.
So, what are the benefits of sharing caring responsibilities for mothers, fathers and families?
Improves men’s mental health
For many men, juggling work responsibilities with trying to care for their children can be challenging. This can leave them feeling drained and have negative consequences for their mental health.
Joel Cahill works three days a week in fundraising while his wife works full-time. He says this arrangement has given him a better balance between work and family responsibilities.
“I don’t know if it’s possible to have a really demanding career that requires a lot of your headspace, and be present and involved and part of the family as well,” he told the Financial Review.
“I just think something’s got to give, or you’re going to have a mental breakdown, or you’ll end up gravitating towards one or the other, which for men, is usually their career. For this chapter of my life, I’ve decided to prioritise family.”
Eight years ago, Michael Creighton gave up full-time work to care for his daughter, before returning to full-time work three years ago. He says the experience has left him feeling mentally refreshed.
“It really recharged me because I was quite drained,” he said in an interview with the Financial Review.
Improves fathers’ relationship with their children
Research indicates that children with highly-involved fathers can have better social, behavioural and educational outcomes.
When his second child was born, Melbourne marketing director Dan Hews scaled back to two days of work a week. This allowed his wife to return to full-time work.
He says this experience made him a better father.
“Spending multiple days or even just a whole day with that kid one-on-one is really beneficial. It helps you understand them and be a better parent,” he said in an interview with the ABC.
Chris Emmerson moved to part-time work last year after his second child’s birth. The decision was inspired by the improved work-life balance he experienced working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I had the opportunity [at home with the first child during the pandemic] and I wanted to have the same time and energy and exposure to [the second child],” he told the ABC.
Allows women to further their careers
The careers of women are often overlooked. However, for many women, their career is an important part of their lives, providing them with great satisfaction and enjoyment.
Artist Simon Griener says his partner’s blossoming career was one of the main reasons he decided to take on the primary caring responsibilities for the couple’s children.
“She came home one day and said, ‘I love this job. This is how my brain works, and I’m really good at this,” he told the Financial Review.
“She was promoted something like three times in the first three years,” he added.
“She really proved herself very, very quickly.”
Improves financial security
While men often have higher earning potential, this is not always the case. In circumstances where the female partner has higher earning potential, it makes financial sense for the father to take on more caring responsibilities for the children.
While traditional stereotypes cast men as breadwinners and women as caregivers, societal attitudes are changing.
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Article References
Tattersall, H (14 March 2025) ‘Meet the stay-at-home dads whose wives are killing it at work’, Financial Review, accessed 17 March 2025.
Wright, P (26 August 2024) ‘Many fathers want to spend more time with their kids. Here’s how two dads made it work’, ABC News, accessed 17 March 2025.