IB 3 Working Parents

Having two parents working outside of the home is a controversial issue for many people, especially for women.  Some believe that a woman should be able to pursue her career and not be expected to partake in the old-fashion customs of staying in the home.  Others believe that it is a mother’s duty to her children to stay at home with them.  Of course, childcare is not all the mother’s responsibility.  If the mother cannot, or chooses not to stay in the home, then the father is expected. Having one parent stay at home is a luxury that many Americans cannot afford.  When parent’s have children and cannot or do not stay home to care for them, there are many that are affected.  

There are many reasons for both parents working outside of the home.  One is out of necessity.  So many Americans, especially in this tough economy, are struggling to make ends meet.  For them, having an able-bodied parent stay at home and care for the child or children is just not a practical option.  For some, both of the parents choose to work outside of the home.  Whether it be for less financial stress, more equality in the home, or the joys of their career.  Some families don’t have two parents and the one is forced to work.  “PRWORA and associated Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs provide strong incentives for low-income mothers to participate in the labor force even during their children's formative years” (Neighborhood Effects 1).  No matter the reason for no parent staying full-time in the home, there are many affected by these circumstances.  

There are many stakeholders in the lives of parents who do not stay in the home. The most obvious one is the children.  There are many statistics on the effects of children not having a parent with them throughout the day.  Another stakeholder is childcare.  Because of these situations of parents not staying in the home, childcare providers have a business.  The schools that the children attend can also be forms of childcare.  Many schools, especially in poor areas provide before and after school care for children in these situations.  Extended family members can also be regularly affected.  These family members may be responsible for driving, helping, or caring for the children left at home.  Of course, parents are a stakeholder.  They have the responsibility to work and give their children quality attention and provide them with all the need, food, shelter, love, and potentially money for childcare.