Allocation *

This study examines parental time investment in their children. To explain variations in both developmental and non-developmental care we focus on educational background, marital homogamy, and spouses ’ relative bargaining power. We find that the emphasis on developmental care time is correlated with parents ’ education, and that marital homogamy reduces couple specialization, but only among the highly educated. In line with earlier research, we identify gendered parental behaviour. The presence of boys is an important condition for fathers ’ time dedication, but primarily among lower educated fathers. To the extent that parental stimulation is decisive for child outcomes, our findings suggest the persistence of important inequalities. This emerges through our special attention to behavioural differences across the educational distribution among households