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Parents struggle to find balance | |
(about 2 hours later) | |
The dual demands of work and childcare placed on parents mean that family life is suffering, a survey suggests. | The dual demands of work and childcare placed on parents mean that family life is suffering, a survey suggests. |
Most of those questioned - 61% - said parents do not get enough time to spend with their children. | Most of those questioned - 61% - said parents do not get enough time to spend with their children. |
Nearly half - 48% - said they had to put their career first even if it affected their family relationships. | Nearly half - 48% - said they had to put their career first even if it affected their family relationships. |
The survey, which saw 1,148 adults questioned, was commissioned by The Children's Society and is part of the charity's Good Childhood Inquiry. | The survey, which saw 1,148 adults questioned, was commissioned by The Children's Society and is part of the charity's Good Childhood Inquiry. |
The inquiry, which includes research around the themes of friends, family, learning, lifestyle, health and values, will publish its final report in the autumn of 2008. | The inquiry, which includes research around the themes of friends, family, learning, lifestyle, health and values, will publish its final report in the autumn of 2008. |
HAVE YOUR SAY Over recent years many parents have become entirely selfish in relation to their children. Kenneth Reinhold Send us your comments | |
The survey found that 48% of participants did not believe that a pre-school child was likely to suffer if his or her mother went out to work, but 37% disagreed with this statement. | The survey found that 48% of participants did not believe that a pre-school child was likely to suffer if his or her mother went out to work, but 37% disagreed with this statement. |
Two-thirds of respondents - 67% - said they did not believe parents should stay together when they did not get along, even if there were children in the family. | Two-thirds of respondents - 67% - said they did not believe parents should stay together when they did not get along, even if there were children in the family. |
Family bonding | Family bonding |
And according to the children who contributed to the inquiry, a happy home life was one in which a family spent time together. | And according to the children who contributed to the inquiry, a happy home life was one in which a family spent time together. |
Bob Reitemeier, chief executive of The Children's Society said: "Family is hugely important in the lives of all children yet modern society appears to be pulling them apart. | Bob Reitemeier, chief executive of The Children's Society said: "Family is hugely important in the lives of all children yet modern society appears to be pulling them apart. |
"Only by taking a closer look at how a child's need for family can be met in the context of the 21st century can we ensure a good childhood for all children. | "Only by taking a closer look at how a child's need for family can be met in the context of the 21st century can we ensure a good childhood for all children. |
"Without this fresh perspective and a better understanding of how to support families, we risk damaging the successful growth and development of future generations." | "Without this fresh perspective and a better understanding of how to support families, we risk damaging the successful growth and development of future generations." |
Kathleen Kiernan, of the University of York, is also a member of the inquiry panel. | Kathleen Kiernan, of the University of York, is also a member of the inquiry panel. |
She said: "Family life is changing with rising rates of parental separation, more working parents and different parenting styles. | She said: "Family life is changing with rising rates of parental separation, more working parents and different parenting styles. |
"We know these factors affect children's lives and that when children feel loved and secure they build up resilience to life's challenges." | "We know these factors affect children's lives and that when children feel loved and secure they build up resilience to life's challenges." |
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