Tips for Parents Working Outside the Home

With the increased number of single-parent families and with many families' need for more income, working outside the home has become an issue for both mothers and fathers. It is not what you do, but how you handle it that makes a difference.

Some children may experience difficulty because both parents do not work. These parents may neglect their children because they are overwhelmed, depressed, or too busy socially. They may go to the other extreme and stunt the growth of their children by being overprotective. Working parents may also be overwhelmed, depressed, too busy, or overprotective. Children can thrive whether their parents stay home or work outside the home, if the parents use respectful parenting methods. Working outside the home can give children a chance to feel needed and to develop useful skills while helping at home.

Do not convey the attitude that your children are deprived. Instead, convey the attitude that, "This is how it is in our family, and we can make the most of it by creating a loving atmosphere of sharing and contribution." Involve children in planning how they can contribute, help create routines, and divide chores. Children can learn that they are capable and responsible. They can pitch in and help their families in any circumstances.

Make special time a priority. During every family meeting, take time to plan and put on the calendar family fun times. Also, list the children's events such as soccer games, dance recitals, plats, and school open houses and make your attendance a priority. Spend individual special time with each child on a regular basis.

If needed, get therapy or take self-help classes to deal with your guilt, depression, feeling of being overwhelmed or your need to buy your children's love because you are spending less time with them. Have faith that your children will benefit from their circumstances when they are treated with dignity and respect and you treat yourself with dignity and respect.

Too many parents have the mistaken belief that being a good parent means they should always be present and take care of their children's every need. This actually robs their children of the opportunity to learn self-reliance and cooperation.

Children will buy into your attitude. If you feel they are deprived, they will feel deprived. If you have faith in them and teach them problem-solving skills, they will have faith in themselves and use those skills.