Pandemic lockdown bringing fathers closer to children, researchers say

BOSTON — Playing outside with the kids on a beautiful fall day.

In the afternoon.

On a weekday.

That’s something Robert Lublin of Medford is finding easier to fit in these days.

“I think that the chance to spend serious time, day after day, week after week, month after month, will have long lasting, loving consequences," he said.

As a college professor, Lublin has always enjoyed some flexibility. Working from home during the pandemic, however, has been a game changer.

“A significant majority of fathers are feeling closer to their kids,” said Rick Weissbourd, a senior lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

He co-wrote an essay titled “How the Pandemic is Strengthening Fathers' Relationships with their Children.”

In a survey of parents, the researchers found that 68% of fathers say they now feel closer to their kids.

About a third said there was no change.

Only 1% said the impact has been negative.

“What we’re seeing is significant majorities of fathers feeling closer. Also spending more relaxed time with their kids, asking their kids questions,” said Weissbourd. “They’re going on walks or having meals together, doing new activities together.”

“What we do know is that when dads have opportunities to be close to their children, it’s a good thing,” said Steven Pascal, Director of Newborn Home Visiting at the Children’s Trust of Massachusetts.

Pascal isn’t surprised by these results, but believes as society eventually transitions back to normal, they shouldn’t be forgotten.

“We need to recognize the importance of work-life balance and being able to create an environment where dads are able to be more present with their children,” added Pascal. “There’s definitely a benefit to them being at home, being able to work remotely when they can.”

Weissbourd agrees society needs to support fathers, but says it’s also on the dads to remember the lessons they’ve learned over the past seven months.

“There is a real risk here that fathers will get back on the first train back to normal when they’re able to . . . what we’re recommending in the report is that fathers start to develop habits and routines that they commit to continuing once the pandemic is over,” he said.

That shouldn’t be a problem for Lublin.

“We want to look for some silver linings and this might be one. Here is the chance for children to have a meaningful relationship with their fathers and it can be just as strong as a relationship with your mother," Lublin said.

The researchers found that their findings were similar regardless of differences in race, class, education, or political affiliation.

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