PERFECT FAMILY???

MOST dads now reckon going to work is easier than staying at home looking after the kids.  A study of 3,000 fathers showed a whopping 65% believe mums have a much harder job raising the children.  And 62% of dads openly admit they enjoy going out to work as it gives them a much needed break from the kids.  The research cited that whilst dads love their kids, 70% are happy that mum is the main day-to-day carer. 

The survey carried out by parents club Bounty for its dad site newdadssurvivalguide.com, revealed that 24% of men sometimes leave for work earlier than necessary, or return home later than necessary to reduce their time with the children.

Bounty’s Managing Director, Ian Beswetherick, who is a dad of 2 young children said:- “Nowadays most modern dads are happy to share the responsibility of looking after the children and in doing so they now truly appreciate mums’ hard work.  The fact that dads are leaving for work early and not heading home to help with bath and bedtime can be also due to the pressures of working for old style ‘dinosaur dads’.   Traditionally supported by wives that stayed at home to raise their kids, these older dads hold senior positions and don’t appreciate the fact that they employ a different kind of dad who is struggling to get to grips with combining his work with the expectations of modern fatherhood.”

41% of dads admit they get really stressed if they go straight home from work to a rowdy house full of children and despite the rise of the house-husband 5 in 10 dads say there is no way they could take their partner's place as the children's main carer. 

The poll also showed that whilst 80% of dads felt an instant rush of love the minute their baby was born, 28% said it took them a lot longer to bond with their newborn than their partner did. 

17% of men say they bonded with their new baby a couple of days after it was born, 1 in 10 said it took 1 week, and 8% said it took a whole month before they finally felt close to their new tot.

25% of new dads say they felt completely left out when their partner was pregnant, and this may be why they took longer to bond with their new baby. 

But 55% attempted to get closer to their unborn child by stroking the bump, 44% spoke to the bump, 34% attended all ante-natal classes and 1 in 10 stopped drinking and smoking to keep their wife company.

Ian Beswetherick of Bounty added:- “New and expectant dads worry about asking the wrong thing at the wrong time, which is why newdadssurvivalguide.com offers a safe place to get the answers to new dad questions.”

An astonishing 66% of dads admitted that when their partner was pregnant they were secretly hoping their 1st born would be a boy.  And 57% say they prefer boys over girls. That said, 30% of dads have bonded better with their daughters than their sons, and 46% feel much more protective of their little girls. 

In an ideal world, dads would like to have 2 girls and 2 boys to complete their perfect family.

MOTORISTS DISCOVER CYCLING TO BEAT THE CREDIT CRUNCH

THE news comes on Commute Smart Week’s 3rd themed day, which highlights the benefits of cycling to employers and employees.  The week, organised by Work Wise UK, shows how smarter working and commuting, such as staggering work journeys, home working, cycling and walking, can cut emissions, congestion and travel costs, boosting business and quality of life.

18% of motorists cycle at least once a month, according to the AA survey of 18,500 members.  Cycling is most popular in relatively flat East Anglia with 24% out on their bikes at least once a month, while the South and South West of England were the next most committed at 20%. The least active motorists, who cycle once or twice a year or less, are N Ireland at 88%, and Wales at 87% with Scotland, Central and West Midlands, North West and Yorkshire and Humberside all at 85%.

When it comes to sex, cycling is definitely a male thing with 21% of men cycling at least once a month against 12% of women. In fact, over 3 times as many men cycle daily compared to women. 76% of the over 65's say they never cycle.

Edmund King, AA President, said:- "With fuel prices at record levels, we expect to see more people getting on their bikes for some trips – though it is clear from these findings that topography, the weather, age and sex may play a major role in who chooses to cycle.  Car drivers need to think more about cyclists and not open car doors without looking or turn left without checking for a bike on the inside. Cyclists have to stop running red lights and avoid the temptation to cycle on pavements or up one way streets.

To encourage cycling we need to see more comprehensive cycle lanes, secure cycle parking, shower facilities at work and more cycle training. “

In addition to partnering with the Automobile Association for Commute Smart Week, Work Wise UK has also teamed up with BikeBUDI.com, to highlight where employers can find support to help employees who wish to start cycling.  The idea of BikeBUDI.com is not just to help current cyclists to find bike buddies but also to encourage individuals who may be concerned about cycling to give it a go by putting them in touch with more experienced cyclists who know about:-

· riding safely
· the best routes
· bike security
· taking a bike on public transport
· suitable gear for commuting

Cecilia Bromley-Martin, spokesperson for BikeBUDi, explains:- "There are many people, including motorists, who recognise the benefits of cycling, particularly for short commuting journeys. But some lack the confidence to start riding. BikeBUDI can help by teaming them up with an experienced cyclist for their journey to work - or simply providing some friendly company, which is especially welcome as the nights draw in."

Phil Flaxton, chief executive of Work Wise UK, said:- “Commute Smart Week focuses on avoiding the insane waste of resources, environmental damage and stress involved in commuting. Cycling helps tackle congestion by providing an alternative green transport for short journeys. And biking employees, by being less prone to delays and healthier, will also help boost productivity.”