For the 3-to-11-year-old range, mothers spend an average of 11 to 30 hours each week either fully engaged in activities with their kids, or nearby and accessible when needed. And for kids in their early teens, moms are there between 11 and 20 hours each week. On average, in 1975 moms spent just over 7 hours per week with their kids.
And yet, the study revealed that the majority of mothers feel as if they are not spending enough time with their children, leaving them anxious and distressed – which, as any parent knows, can trickle down to kids.
So it seems that we are spending enough time with our kids. Perhaps it’s time that we place the oxygen mask on ourselves first before we try to rescue our children from a childhood of not enough mommy or daddy time. And ask yourself if the person you’re robbing by pursuing that creative outlet, establishing financial security for yourself and family, or taking a much-needed break is your child or yourself.
Deborah Song
