Parent-child time together and apart: an overview of time use, employment status and satisfaction

Abstract

In Australia, increasing numbers of children are receiving non-parental care outside school hours. Changes in maternal employment, family structure and family mobility have meant that parents need to find alternative care for their children. Despite public concern that maternal employment reduces mothers' time with their children, research shows parents are spending more time with their children than ever before. This paper reviews the literature on parental time-use, work spillover and parent and child satisfaction regarding time spent together with a view to examine how employment and non-parental care impacts on parent-child relationships. As most of the relevant literature is overseas-based, directions for future Australian research are suggested.