Thu, Oct 19, 2006 - Page 9 News List

Family life changes, but children still the focus

A new book says much has changed in US families since 1965, especially the number of mothers working. But one surprise was was the amount of time parents spend teaching, playing with and caring for their children

By Robert Pear  /  NY TIMES NEWS SERVICE , WASHINGTON

Overall, the researchers said, employed mothers have less free time and "far greater total workloads than stay-at-home mothers." The workweek for an employed mother averages 71 hours, almost equally divided between paid and unpaid work, compared with a workweek averaging 52 hours for mothers who are not employed outside the home.

On average, the researchers said, employed mothers get somewhat less sleep and watch less TV than mothers who are not employed, and they also spend less time with their husbands.

This story has been viewed 2944 times.
TOP top