KICCE Policy Brief

CONTENT

Time-Related Childcare Support Policies for Fathers and Their Effects on Mothers' Birth Plans: The Mediating Role of Paternal Involvement

Ji Young La and Gayoung Hu

This study aimed to analyze the effects of time-related childcare support policies for fathers on mothers’ subsequent childbirth plans and to examine the mediating effect of fathers’ involvement in child-rearing. Using data from the first wave of the Korean Early Childhood Education and Care Panel, this study found the following: First, fathers’ use of time-related childcare support policies did not have a direct, significant impact on mothers' subsequent childbirth plans. Second, fathers who utilized parental leave, family care leave, or worked via telecommuting showed significantly higher levels of involvement in child-rearing. Third, fathers’ involvement in child-rearing significantly increased the likelihood of mothers' subsequent childbirth plans. Fourth, the influence of time-related childcare support policies on mothers' childbirth plans was statistically significant only through the complete mediation of fathers' involvement in child‑rearing. This study demonstrates that fathers' utilization of time-related childcare support policies can positively influence family childbirth decisions by promoting their involvement in child‑rearing, thereby highlighting the mediating role of fathers' involvement and offering implications for improving policy effectiveness.

Keywords: Child Care Policy, Time‑related Childcare Policies, Paternal Involvement, Subsequent Childbirth Plans

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