We were surprised by a study reporting that today's parents spend more time with their kids than in the past.
The Washington Post
Blogging The Washington Post
By the 1970s and 1980s, that number had dipped, but then rose in the 1990s and now is higher than ever, at nearly 14.1 hours a week spent tending to children. In fact, for married mothers, hours with children rose from 47 a week in 1975 to 51 a week in 2000. For married fathers, the increase was from 21 to 33 hours a week.
The information is based on analysis of detailed time diaries kept by thousands of Americans.
Did the results surprise you? Do you still feel as though you're not spending enough time with your kids? The full article can be read here.
(pic: The University of Queensland)
Comments (3)
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It seems to me that the study ignores how much young children enjoy -- and benefit from -- being in the presence of their parents, even if their parents are engaged in other activities. Yeah, quality time is great. But *quantity* matters, too. A lot.
view MamaChilanga's profile
I need to show this to my mother. She comes down on hard on me when I get a babysitter on a Saturday night, yet seems to forget all the times she enjoyed a Saturday night away from her kids.
view MEP's profile
Good point, MamaChilanga. Most of the time I spend with my child I am multi-tasking - like the vast majority of women who have walked the earth since the dawn of time. I do think he benefits greatly just from us being together. He also knows that he is not the center of the universe, he's very good at entertaining himself, and at age 3 he knows how to wash dishes and windows (I won't claim the dishes and windows are actually clean, but one thing at a time).
view mjoe's profile