Children Share how they feel about working parents.
Many parents feel guilty about working. They assume their children want more time with them. But children have different views from parents about work and parenting.
A leading researcher on work-family issues interviewed more than 1,000 children. She asked them what they would like to tell working parents. Here’s what they said:
Work if you want to! Only two percent of the children said parents should “Stay Home.”
We’re proud of you. Children notice that their parents are working hard. They respect parents for the time and effort they put in.
Love and raise us well. Children want to be respected, listened to and encouraged. They want discipline, but not if it’s harsh or judgmental.
Teach us how to work. Share information and your insights about working. Introduce children to enjoyable things to do.
Make time to be with us. Don’t put your job, material things or friends before your kids.
Be involved in our lives. Know what’s happening at school and with your child’s friends. Attend important events. Play games and solve problems.
Share what’s happening in your life. Children want to know about their parents’ work hours. (Try to share the good, not just the bad.)
Make an effort to establish values and morals, rituals and routines.
Don’t bring the stress from work into the home. Know when to quit. Or get a less stressful job if needed. If you’re angry and tired, don’t take it out on your kids.
Hang in there. Don’t be put off when children push you away. They really do want to talk with you.
Parents make the difference!
Source: Ellen Galinsky, Ask the Children:
What America’s Children Really Think About Working Parents
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