- 1. Pro: Spending quality time with children can strengthen the parent-child bond, improve communication, and support emotional development.
Harvard Graduate School of Education: [Importance of Quality Time]
https://www.gse.harvard.edu/ideas/edcast/20/04/benefit-family-mealtime - 2. Con: Balancing work and family responsibilities can be challenging, and guilt over not spending enough time with children can be stressful.
Psychology Today: [Work-Family Balance]
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/accept-pain-for-change/202404/work-life-balance-means-work-life-harmony - 3. Unsure: Prioritizing quality over quantity, such as engaging in meaningful activities together, can help make the most of limited time.
Verywell Family: [Making Quality Time Count]
https://www.familytoday.com/family/5-reasons-why-quality-family-time-is-important/ - 4. Pro: Regularly scheduled family activities and routines can ensure consistent and meaningful interaction with children.
Child Mind Institute: [Creating Family Routines]
https://childmind.org/article/how-can-we-help-kids-with-transitions/ - 5. Con: Long work hours and job demands can limit the time available for family, leading to feelings of disconnection.
The Balance Careers: [Balancing Work Demands]
https://www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-our-work/publications-resources/journals-and-magazines/social-policy-journal/spj35/35-parents-long-work-hours.html - 6. Unsure: Setting boundaries for work and family time, such as disconnecting from work emails during family hours, can help balance both responsibilities.
Forbes: [Setting Boundaries for Work and Family]
https://ideas.ted.com/how-to-set-clear-work-boundaries-jayne-hardy/ - 7. Pro: Active involvement in children’s activities, such as attending school events or playing together, can reinforce parental presence and support.
Mayo Clinic: [Parental Involvement in Activities]
https://www.publicschoolreview.com/blog/parental-involvement-is-key-to-student-success - 8. Con: Overcommitting to work and family activities can lead to burnout and reduced effectiveness in both areas
Why work-life balance is so important
https://www.verywellmind.com/why-work-life-balance-is-so-important-8374683 - 9. Unsure: Regular self-assessment and open communication with family members about their needs and expectations can help adjust priorities effectively.
American Psychological Association (APA): [Family Communication]
https://mentalhealthmatch.com/articles/relationships/families/most-important-elements-of-healthy-family-communications
EVIDENCE SOURCES
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the PROs, CONs, and UNSURE evidence for each topic