December 2010     More than half of parents feel they aren’t spending enough quality time with their families - an eight per cent increase from 2009, according to The Alannah and Madeline Foundation’s new survey.  The online survey of 500 parents nationwide, released for the Children365 initiative, found 54 per cent of parents want more quality time with their children.

Work commitments (62 per cent), housework (19 per cent) and afterschool activities (9 percent) were seen as the main factors impacting family time.  The Alannah and Madeline Foundation CEO, Dr Judith Slocombe, said the survey revealed families are under increasing pressure to juggle jobs, housework, social events and family
commitments.

“In addition to housework and work demands, parents told us children’s after-school activities - ranging from sport and dance, to music and art classes - are also impacting the time they spend together as a family,” she said.  And despite spending nearly four hours together a day, only six per cent of parents reported
the time spent as a family was ‘more than enough.’

As a mother of nine children, Dr Slocombe knows first hand the challenges parents face.  “Parents need as much support as possible because finding the time to spend together, let alone making the time for yourself, can be extremely difficult,” she said.

According to the survey, conducted by Sweeney Research, 74 per cent of men said work commitments reduced their family time, compared to 47 per cent of women.  Women also cited housework (33 per cent) as the main barrier to spending quality family time together, compared to eight per cent of men. “Our research shows traditional roles are still very much a part of family life in Australia,” said Dr Slocombe.

“We also found that despite the increasing popularity of technology, parents said the activities they enjoy most with their children are the traditional ones, such as reading, playing games, talking, cooking and going to the park.”

As part of its Children365 initiative, the Foundation is releasing a free downloadable 2011 calendar, providing ideas for simple, inexpensive and fun ways for families to spend time together. To download the calendar or sign up for the Children365 eNewsletter, visit amf.org.au

From information provided by AMF, December 7, 2010.

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