Why do you still talk about "mums" and "dads"?

1 minute read

Families come in lots of shapes and sizes. JustParent is there to support them all - however they identify and think about themselves.

When we talk about parents, we often use what (to some) is the dated vocabulary of "mums" and "dads". This isn't done out of sloppiness.

Our goal at JustParent is to foster a more inclusive and equitable environment for all families, regardless of their structure or the labels they choose. If we contort language with legalisms like, "person with parental responsibility for the child of a person taking adoption or maternity leave" nobody wins. "Dad" is much clearer, even if it's sometimes wrong.

By using familiar language, we aim to bridge the gap between the traditional understanding of parenting roles and the evolving reality of what it means to be a parent, not exclude specific types of parent.

We also exist in a UK legal context where women who are the partner of someone taking maternity or adoption leave are eligible for "paternity leave". If you're confused by that, join the club.

Together, we can transform the conversation around parental leave and parenting itself, ensuring that every family feels seen, heard, and supported. Please tell us if there's something we can do to improve.