Photograph: Peter Dazeley/ Getty ImagesIt would cost about €60,112 per year to “employ” someone to do the myriad of jobs carried out by a stay-at-home parent, according to new research. On average, adults estimated the cost at €34,477 – a shortfall of more than €25,000 compared to Royal London Ireland’s calculated notional salary. Now in its 10th year, Royal London’s stay-at-home parent report examines how adults in Ireland assess the monetary worth of parents who provide full-time care and household management at home. Based on this analysis, the estimated annual cost of replacing a stay-at-home parent was €60,112. Karen O’Flaherty, senior propositions executive with Royal London Ireland, said the data suggests people’s own life stage shaped their understanding of the role.

Source: The Irish Times February 13, 2026 07:31 UTC