Father's Day Survey: 6 Ways the Pandemic is Impacting U.S. Dads

 

With Father’s Day coming up on June 21and the school year coming to a close, the online learning platform Brainly surveyed 800 U.S. dads to find out how the coronavirus has changed their work and family life. 

1. APPRECIATION NATION. Roughly 79% of dads said being at home more has helped them realize and appreciate everything their spouse handles at home. In addition, 78% of dads said they have a newfound appreciation for their kids’ teachers after having to help their child homeschool during the closures.

2. A FULL-TIME JOB. Nationwide 41% of dads said their work productivity has been negatively impacted by working from home, and 54% said they have had a work call or video conference interrupted by one of their kids.

3. GLASS HALF FULL. Perhaps the most touching finding from the survey? Over 69% of dads said the biggest silver lining during the pandemic for them has been getting to spend more time with their families. In addition, 56% of dads said they feel even closer to their families than before (and not just physically).

4. HOMEWORK STRUGGLES. No shocker here: 68% of dads reported helping their kids with homework more amidst COVID than they did previously. In addition, nearly 83% of dads said they are relieved the school year is over because of the constant homeschool and homework struggles it caused. 

5. FAMILY MAN. Roughly 57% of dads said they have finally at least somewhat adjusted to “new normal” of pandemic parenting, and 56% said they are experiencing less stress than they did at the beginning of quarantine.

6. LENDING A HELPING HAND. Approximately 57% of dads said they have increased the amount of time they spend helping with household chores since the pandemic began.
The top 5 states where the majority of dads have increased their household duties are:

1. Wisconsin

2. Utah

3. Texas

4. North Carolina

5. Indiana

Eric Oldfield, Brainly’s Chief Business Officer, has been working from home during the pandemic with his wife and two daughters, ages 7 and 10, at their New York City residence.

Oldfield says: “These survey results are proof that this pandemic is changing nearly every aspect of families’ lives, not just for mothers but also for fathers. As we slide into the summer months and families celebrate dads across the nation this Father’s Day, only time will tell if dads will keep up this ‘new normal’ of helping out more with the kids and household duties. I know I will be!”

For more information and a list of family-friendly activities for the summer, visit www.brainly.com.