Study: Economic Stress Makes Dads More Mushy

People would normally expect the stress of the economic meltdown to drive families apart but on the contrary it has only resulted in closer family ties. It appears that dads have become more affectionate towards their kids in spite of increased financial stress. According to a survey conducted by Lever 2000, 82% of dads said that though the economic situation has increased their family’s stress and anxiety, it has also improved familial ties.

So how are dads expressing love for their children? Nearly half (47%) say they are hugging their kids more frequently; 52% say they are reassuring their kids and telling them things will be okay it will; 31% are involving their kids in the family finance discussions. On average, most dads display physical signs of affection like hugging and kissing their kids five times a day.

Many child experts believe that these parenting tips are a great way for dads to improve child development. The survey also found that dads are now spending more time at home as a family (66%) and have learned to enjoy the simple things in life (65%).

The survey, Making Every Touch Count Study: A National Report on the Power of Touch, was conducted among 1,018 nationally representative American parents above the age of 18. The study had a margin of error of 3.1%.