Parents who share caregiving may contribute to an unsupportive relationship

By Staff Writer

According to new research from Ohio State University, families in which the mother is the primary caregiver of preschool-aged children may experience less conflict than those in which the parents share responsibility. For the study, the scientists surveyed 112 Midwestern couples who had a four-year-old child.

They were asked questions regarding how often they were involved in play activities with their children and how often they helped out with caregiving duties such as baths.

The couples were then asked to help their child draw a picture and build a house out of a toy set. The researched observed their actions, and noted instances of undermining and criticism or supportive co-parenting. Families returned one year later for a follow up, in which they participated in similar activities.

The findings reveal that,when fathers indicated that they played more with their child, the couple demonstrated more supportive co-parenting one year later. However, fathers who said they participated more in caregiving were typically in couples that had less supportive relations.

In conclusion, the researchers suggest that parents who have individual roles may fare better as a couple. However, couples must decide for themselves which parenting techniques work best.