Band 9: Most modern families have both parents working and as a result children spend less and less time with their parents. What is the reason for this? What problems can this cause?

Nowadays, it is increasingly common for both parents to work full-time, which inevitably reduces the amount of time children spend with them. This situation is mainly driven by economic pressures and changing workplace expectations, and it can lead to serious consequences for children’s emotional wellbeing and family relationships.

The most fundamental reason is the rising cost of living, particularly in large cities where housing, childcare and education are expensive. In many households, a single income is no longer sufficient to cover rent or mortgage payments, utilities and other essential expenses, so both parents feel compelled to work. At the same time, modern labour markets often reward long hours and constant availability, meaning that parents may accept overtime, shift work or second jobs simply to remain competitive or to secure stable employment. As a result, even when parents are at home, they may be physically exhausted or mentally preoccupied, which further reduces genuine interaction with their children.

This reduced parental presence can create several problems. Firstly, children may receive less emotional support and guidance during critical stages of development. Without regular conversations, shared routines and consistent attention, some children become reluctant to communicate openly with their parents and instead rely on peers or screens for comfort and advice. Over time, this can weaken parent-child attachment and lead to behavioural issues such as defiance, poor self-control or difficulty managing emotions. Secondly, a lack of parental involvement may also affect children’s academic progress and decision-making, as parents have less opportunity to supervise homework, set boundaries or notice early signs of stress. In the long run, these patterns can damage family cohesion, producing distance and misunderstanding that become harder to repair as children grow older.

In conclusion, the main reasons children spend less time with working parents are financial necessity and demanding work cultures. However, this trend can undermine children’s emotional development, discipline and educational support, and it may ultimately erode the strength of family relationships.