July2016-Final-UR-IT

The
Benefits & Drawbacks
Of Both Parents Working
A lot has been said about ideal parenting and one major issue that has
even resulted in divorce is whether both parents should work or not.
While there is a good case for people who think one parent should
remain at home and be the caregiver, a different section of the society
finds it impossible. The most cited reason is the mediocre quality of life
offered when only one parent works compared to when two work.
Currently in America, according to the Census Bureau, 3 out of 5 American
families with children under the age of 18 are employed. This is more
than half the population with underage children. But, the big question
is, is this a good or bad thing?
Here are a few benefits and drawbacks of both parents working.
Benefits
Better Financial Footing
Two-income families enjoy a
better financial footing than
their counterparts. Consequently,
they are less likely to suffer from
financial stress and they get to
enjoy a better and higher standard
of living. The children enjoy better
daycare, private schooling and
great healthcare.
The result is a happy family that
does not stress about basic human
needs and a few luxuries here and
there.
Children are Better Socialized
When both parents are working,
they usually place their children
under the care of other adults.
Eventually, their children learn to
respect higher authority other than
their parents’. Simply put, they are
better socialized.
Daycare exposes these children to
their peers, from whom they learn
how to socialize, make friendships
and solve feuds. By the time these
kids are released on their own, they
normally know how to tolerate
different characters and live in
harmony.
Parents Serve as Motivation
to Children
Children with both working
parents are said to be more active
and independent. In addition to
that, their parents’ achievements
motivate them to work hard and
also make something useful out of
themselves.
Drawbacks
The Children Become
Latchkey Kids
Reportedly, 53% of all children
above the age of 9 in the United
States are latchkey. These kids come
home to no parental supervision
after school, which affects them
in a number of ways. First of all,
their parents are unavailable to
monitor their study. The children
also lack parental encouragement
when taking part in extracurricular
activities. Eventually, some of these
children end up abusing drugs
as their getaway from reality. For
girls, this is coupled with teenage
pregnancy.
Children Fail to Understand the
Foundation of Family
When these kids are asked to
describe what a home is, they will
probably remember to mention
the nanny and forget to mention
their own parents. The foundation
of family is built and cemented
when children are able to share
a relationship with their parents.
Unfortunately, working parents
hardly find time for their children
and instead compensate their
absence with money.
Parents are Filled With Guilt and
Depression
As much as parents will feel happy
that they are giving their children
the best life, they regret that they
are never there to share that life
with them. For example, parents will
work 8-9 hours a day, then catch up
on meetings with business partners
or friends and come home probably
after dinner. By this time, the kids
are usually sleeping and the cycle
repeats itself.
Well, no parent can stand watching
their children struggle in life. If you
must work, then ensure that you find
a balance between work and family.
Have a routine that will at least give
you an hour with your children on
weekdays and undivided attention
over weekends and holidays.
Article by: Vivian Achieng
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THE BENEFITS & DRAWBACKS OF BOTH PARENTS WORKING
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