A new study out of Victoria's Deakin University has coined a new term describing a newly-emerging parenting dynamic.
The study explains that while fathers are becoming increasingly engaged in family life, many are taking on a backseat role and leaving mothers to carry the majority of parenting duties.
'Passenger parenting' was coined by public health lecturer Norma Barrett and she says it's a tricky dynamic to navigate.
"It's really tricky for fathers, I think, because in those early stages their first kind of feeling of being a parent can often be after the birth, whereas mothers biologically feel like they're already on the parenting journey...and trying to slot into the journey can be tricky."
LISTEN ABOVE
Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you