A new study out of Victoria's Deakin University has coined a new term describing a newly-emerging parenting dynamic.

The study explains that while fathers are becoming increasingly engaged in family life, many are taking on a backseat role and leaving mothers to carry the majority of parenting duties.

'Passenger parenting' was coined by public health lecturer Norma Barrett and she says it's a tricky dynamic to navigate.

"It's really tricky for fathers, I think, because in those early stages their first kind of feeling of being a parent can often be after the birth, whereas mothers biologically feel like they're already on the parenting journey...and trying to slot into the journey can be tricky."

LISTEN ABOVE

A new study out of Victoria's Deakin University has coined a new term describing a newly-emerging parenting dynamic.
The study explains that while fathers are becoming increasingly engaged in family life, many are taking on a backseat role and leaving mothers to carry the majority of parenting duties.
'Passenger parenting' was coined by public health lecturer Norma Barrett and she says it's a tricky dynamic to navigate.
"It's really tricky for fathers, I think, because in those early stages their first kind of feeling of being a parent can often be after the birth, whereas mothers biologically feel like they're already on the parenting journey...and trying to slot into the journey can be tricky."
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Norma Barrett: Deakin University public health lecturer on the new study examining passenger parenting

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/b0e22cde-a6dd-4e8e-8f34-b30f006edddb/transcript