Man time

80% of respondents in a new survey for ManoftheHouse.com said Mother’s Day gets more attention than Father’s Day.

The survey also indicates that dads are doing more in the home, with 60% of men saying they share the responsibility for childcare equally with their spouse. Also, 43% are spending as much time as their spouse scrubbing toilets, mopping floors and loading dishwashers, and 33% of men are spending equal time in the laundry room and at the kitchen stove, according to survey results.

The survey was conducted in April among 350 fathers age 18 or older who have at least one child.

"This study continues to debunk myths about what a man really is," Dr. Helen Fisher, noted biological anthropologist and relationship expert for ManoftheHouse.com, said in a statement, "As women’s roles outside the household are expanding, men’s roles inside the household are expanding. Men are once again expressing who they really are — energetic, caring, contributing, available dads. It’s time to enjoy and recognize that."

OTHER SURVEY FINDINGS
• The majority of the men we surveyed say they are still primarily responsible for automotive (78%), household (63%) and yard (69%) maintenance.

• When asked about how they are performing versus their fathers, 59% said they are better fathers than their dad.

• The men surveyed admitted their fathers excelled at providing financially for their families, but they do not feel that it is as important an attribute to being a great dad today.

• The top qualities men identified as important, and said they are excelling in today, are in relationship areas such as spending time with their kids (49%), spending time with their spouse (26%) and caring for their children (26%).

• Of men surveyed, 89% said they think they are good fathers, and 70% of new dads said they feel more fulfilled in their lives since becoming fathers.