Continuity or Change in Father Provided Child Care among Employed Mothers?

Lynda L. Laughlin, U.S. Census Bureau

Economic and normative changes are forcing families to re-examine changes in parental employment and the role of fathers. Previous research indicates an increase in father provided child care among families with employed mothers. However it is unclear whether changes in father provided child care are related to economic or social changes and if fathers continue to provide child care when economic or household conditions change. Using longitudinal survey data and fixed effects, this study will examine the use of father provided child care among the same set of employed mothers over time. This study will focus on the characteristics of mothers and families who use father provided child care and how changes in the use of father provided child care are related to changes in employment and household dynamics. Results will shed light on the myriad of socio-economic factors that influence the use of father provided child care over time.