Over 2 million parents have missed the birth of their child

• More than one in ten (12 per cent) dads missed the birth of their child
• 1.5 million parents missed their child’s first words 
• Fathers are three times more likely to miss out on their child’s first words and steps than mothers
   

New research¹ from Direct Line Life Insurance reveals over 2.2 million parents weren’t there for their birth of one of their children. One in eight (12 per cent) male parents in the UK missed the birth of their child, and two per cent of women.

With hectic lives and an increasing number of separated parents, many parents are missing out on landmark moments in their children’s development. One in seventeen (six per cent) parents missed their child’s first steps and 1.5 million missed their child’s first words. Fathers are three times more likely to miss out on hearing their child’s first words and seeing their first steps than mothers, although this is likely to change in future, as flexible working and shared maternity/paternity leave could enable both parents to spend more time with their children.

However, despite workplaces claiming to be increasingly family friendly, offering flexible working hours and the option to work from home, over 1.4 million parents missed their child’s first day at nursery or school. An additional 1.2 million parents missed out on seeing their child graduate from school or university. 

The research also shows parents’ mental health suffers if they miss key moments in their child’s development, with some parents experiencing considerable emotional stress and turmoil. A third of parents (33 per cent) who missed a milestone moment admitted to feeling guilty for missing a key moment in their child’s life, with 22 per cent feeling they had let their child down. More than a fifth (21 per cent) of parents were devastated they had missed a crucial moment in their child’s life.

This distress can also manifest itself in other ways, with 16 per cent of parents feeling angry and 7 per cent saying it resulted in arguments with their partner. Some parents have even been so distraught over missing out on key moments in their child’s development that they have changed job to spend more time with their kids (9 per cent) and one in ten (10 per cent) changed their lifestyle to spend more time with their family. 
 

Jane Morgan, Business Manager at Direct Line Life Insurance, commented: “Seeing the birth of a child, hearing their first words and witnessing their first steps, are moments most parents will remember forever. Although with parents under increasing financial pressure to return to work to support their family, sadly many people are left with no choice but to miss these special moments.”

Donna Dawson, psychologist said: “Dealing with the emotional guilt of missing a moment in a child’s life can be extremely difficult and psychologically challenging. It can lead people to question their worth and ability as a parent. We have even seen cases where it has led to intense feelings of detachment and depression. There is also the real and perceived societal pressure on parents that they should be able to balance high powered careers while also experiencing all the key moments in their child’s development. It is important parents experiencing emotional difficulties seek professional assistance rather than trying to deal with them in isolation.” 
 

Regional findings:

On a regional basis parents in Belfast are the most likely to have missed the birth of a child, with one in seven (14 per cent) not in the delivery room to see a bundle of joy arrive.  This is followed by Norwich 11 per cent and Cardiff 12 per cent.
 

Regional findings:  Cities where parents missed the birth of their child

Source:  Direct Line Life Insurance
 

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Notes to Editors

¹ Research conducted by Opinium among a nationally representative sample of 2,006 adults between 9 to 12 January 2018

² Indicative due to low base size
 

Direct Line Life Insurance offers an affordable way for families to help look after loved ones financially if someone passes away, paying out a lump sum, to help deal with every day money concerns such as household bills, childcare costs and mortgage payments.
 

For more information on the offering, please visit: 
 

For further information please contact:
 

Claire Jarrett

Media Relations Executive

Direct Line Group

Tel: 01651 832 411

Email: claire.jarrett@directlinegroup.co.uk
 

Katie Ormrod

Citigate Dewe Rogerson

Tel: 0207 282 1023

Email: katie.ormrod@citigatedewerogerson.com
 

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel, pet and life insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line life insurance policies are underwritten by Legal & General, registered office: One Coleman Street, London EC2R 5AA. Legal & General Assurance Society Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority under number 117659. You can check the FCA register at www.fca.org.uk/register or call the FCA on 0800 111 6768. Legal & General will introduce customers who select the Funeral Benefit Option to Dignity Funeral Services, who are members of the National Association of Funeral Directors.
 

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0800 145 5522 or visiting