• A typical working parent spends just 19 minutes a day with their child/children.

• This is only enough time to either, eat a quick breakfast together, have a couple of bed-time stories or have a conversation with them.

• 16 minutes is spent looking after their children as a "secondary activity", this means that they are doing something else.

Such as…• Shopping at the super market • Watching television• Talking on the telephone

• A young child that does not spend at least 4 hours or more with their parents a day will feel neglected and upset.

• All children should be cared for by parents at home during the first 12 months of life.

• Later in life if the neglecting of time with the child/children continues it could lead to an eating disorder, boredom, depression or even rebellion.

• This topic of the effect on children if their parent/s work too much relates to my careers with children class because when I go to the Green River Daycare I am spending one on one time with many of the toddlers there. Putting a smile on their faces everyday shows me that they are having fun with me as I teach them how to do different activities.

The results on this problem that relate to family life is…

• Parents miss their children's events, such as games, recitals, and everyday life.

• Children do not feel loved.

• Kids misbehave, just striving to get some kind of attention. In time, it turns to complete rebellion.

If both parents work, kids cannot come to their parents for help with life's problems. They look to outside sources for guidance.

• Children look to the media which is filled with violence and vanity.

• Children look to their peers, which may have their own social problems.

• Children look to escape through drugs, improper relationships, and other harmful things.

• Improved sense of self-reliance.

• Independence for the child/children.

• Improvement in the ability to be social.

• More emotionally mature.

• More competent in dealing with responsibility and task completion.

Parents should consider not only what is best for their children right now, but what will be best for them in the long run. Here are some tips for managing your time.

* Trim your budget - Cut out the fluff (little things you take for granted that you do not really need).

* Evaluate your priorities- When your priorities are in the right place, you will be amazed at how everything else flows much more smoothly.

* Get to know your kids again- You may think you know your kids, but you will be surprised at what you will learn when you are open and honest with them and you show a genuine interest in who they are. Do not put your opinions on them; find out what is important to them.

* Make the most of your time- When both parents must work, try having alternating work shifts so that at least one parent is always available. Leave work at work, use the time at home as time for your family. Have weekly family night, not just around the television, but an activity that involves everyone.

In today's world, it is often necessary for both parents to work. Children left to themselves may suffer emotionally, morally, and socially. Careful planning can greatly reduce suffering and bring families closer together. What path will you choose?

Phone Book Balance:Ages 1 – 4 years old

• 4-5 old phone books• Colored construction paper• Tape

Cover each phone book with the construction paper all the way, then lay them down in a straight line. Help your toddlers balance and walk across the line of phone books.

For ages 1 – 3 years old

Materials:

• 5 gallon Water Jug • Tall Traffic Cone • Beaded Necklaces• Pennies• Popsicle Sticks

Have the children pick up an object, stand by the cone or water jug and practice dropping them into the jug/cone. This will help engage them in curiosity.

Barrow, Becky (July 19th 2006). Daily Mail. Retrieved June 5, 2009, from Working Parents Web site: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-396609/19-minutes--long-working-parents-children.html

Carraway, Daphne (2005). Self Growth. Retrieved June 5, 2009, from What Happens when both parents work too much? Web site: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/What_Happens_When_Both_Parents_Work_Too_Much.html

Deerwester, Karen (2009). Real Truth. Retrieved June 5, 2009, from Independent Play Web site: http://www.realtruth.org/articles/266-pmia.html/x-494-Parenting-Examiner~y2009m1d13-Easy-independent-play-activities-for-toddlers-and-preschoolers