Survey: 83 percent of Taiwanese dads confident in independent parenting ability

調查顯示83％的台灣爸爸對獨立育兒的能力充滿信心

Majority of Taiwanese fathers believe they share equal parenting responsibility with mothers


TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A recent survey found that 83 percent of Taiwanese fathers have confidence in their ability to take care of their offspring independently, while 53 percent of mothers express concern about leaving the children alone with their partners.

According to an online survey conducted by the non-profit Hsin-Yi Foundation, 98 percent of the surveyed fathers believe they share as much parenting responsibility as their significant others. Meanwhile, 97 percent indicate that they have a good relationship with their children, and 89 percent regard themselves as "competent" parents.

When asked whether they would choose to become a parent if given a second chance, 71 percent of fathers say they would, but only 53 percent of the mothers express absolute willingness. Close to 90 percent of the mothers also indicate that they would create opportunities for the fathers to spend time alone with the children on purpose, despite not completely trusting their parenting skills.

In regard to who is considered the primary caregiver in the household, 39.5 percent of the respondents say mothers, 4.8 percent say fathers, and 45.2 percent believe it to be both.

According to Hsin-Yi Foundation Chairperson Chang Sing-ju (張杏如), the contrast in perspectives shows that Taiwanese fathers need to be more active in their parenting to take some pressure off the mothers. She adds that there has been a value shift with regard to male parenting, but societal stereotypes and traditional work arrangements have prevented a substantial change from fathers, per CNA.

The survey was conducted between May 25 and June 30 through online questionnaires. Valid answers were gathered from 3,162 fathers and 5,067 mothers, according to the Hsin-Yi Foundation.