Over the past 30 years women have been ushered into the professional arena, often standing side by side with their male counterparts. In 1967 only 27.7% of homes had working mothers. However, by 2007 63.3% of families had working mothers. (As seen below)
Due to a shift in economics, household dynamics have taken a drastic shift causing many women to seek job positions outside the home, while still trying to hold together the family unity. Children have been put into the trusted hands of caregivers to carry out some of the jobs that mothers were once solely responsible for. Men have been forced to take a more active role in the household responsibilities and childcare duties, which in many ways can be viewed as positive for the children, because they get to see both parents take care of them, not just one. The necessity for two parents working instead of one, to carry the financial responsibility of the household, has caused many mothers to feel guilty and distressed about leaving their children in the hands of someone else. “Women, don’t distress, it is not your fault,” the society we live in today dictates that in many instances if both parents don’t work, the family would be living in or close to the poverty level.
The desire to provide a comfortable living for your family should never be viewed as neglect, but as a source of family security for current and future needs. “Real Parenting,” involves making wise choices for your children and not letting the TV, video games, internet programs, and outside sources do it for you. Here are a few tips to parents on ways to continue family unity: 1) Never neglect family time, plan activities that you and your children can share with just mom and dad. 2) Weekends can be especially fun when parents are not scheduled to work, because it gives a longer time period for families to spend together. 3) Share time with extended family when possible. Family unity also includes grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Sometimes family can assist with childcare when the family budget is strained or there is a desire for children to be close to grandparents, or family that lives close to the home.
All parents feel a need to spend time and money on themselves, but remember children will only be children once in their lives. So, sometimes we have to put some of our needs aside and concentrate on family and what is best for all of us. Spending less money on hair-dos, beautiful nails, and fancy clothes allows for more money to be spent on your children. Mothers, love your children, make the sacrifices for them, you won’t regret it, because that’s what you call, “Real Parenting.”
Note: Visit my website www.joneia.com and answer the question listed below. I will post your response in the next issue.
Question: Have both parents working outside the home, hurt or helped family dynamics?
Love Always,
Joneia P. Brown
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