Number 9: Balance of Work and Family
“The rising pressure to invest more of one’s energy in work at the expense of family.”
Often, a moment of decision is not a decision at all, but the logical choice given thousands of decisions made in the past.
The decision to work late, go back into the office, see one more client, etc. was made before the event… when the deed was signed, the purchase was made, the private school application was submitted… etc.
Also, the dream of having one parent stay home to raise the kids full-time seems to be getting less and less likely for families. Despite the high priority we say we place on family, other good priorities seem to crowd out time with children. These include the need for the right education, the need for a good home in a nice neighborhood, and the honor and feelings of accomplishment that come with success.
However, the stakes are getting higher. No longer is working too hard merely costing parents the joy of time with children – children increasingly are seeking attention from other sources.
The number 9 topic facing today’s family, as expressed by individuals from a range of backgrounds, is “Balance of Work and Family.”
Resources Guide - Balance of Work and Family
Part of the Series: Top 10 Issues Facing Today’s Family…
Comments from survey participants
Mom comes home tired, Dad comes home tired. Family life suffers - nutritution suffers, homework for school suffers, kids must make decisions for themselves that parents should make for them. Too much emphasis on material things, not Godly things.
Diane W.
Guyton, GA
With both parents working outside the home there is no longer a parent to make the home a refuge. The children are being raised more often by outside influences than their parents. No matter how involved working parents may try to be they are limited by time… a huge factor to consider. I say this with compassion knowing that some do not have a choice and I believe that God provides grace in such circumstance that covers what we cannot. Although, in most circumstances I think people decide to have two parents working to aquire the material forgetting the importance of the Christian home.
Lisa C.
Hillsboro, OR
Children are spending more and more time away from busy mom and dads which is hurting their mental and spiritual growth.
Toby D.
Kansas City, MO
