The article does make the point that parents used to spend more time at home, even when they worked. My mother worked full time but was home around 4.30 or so; my father was usually home by 6, and they both had careers (as opposed to jobs).
There were no evening school or sports activities (rarely, anyway), and we always had dinner together. Even with everyone out all day, the family dinner CAN be done, and I think too few people even try any more.
Is there such a thing as career anymore? Little loyalty to employees and changing job market are examples that have provided a dog-eat-dog atmosphere. Changing jobs today is like changing underware.
We must get the government out of the pockets of working families...
Few people cook--I mean really cook. Fast food and the microwave which warms minimal servings at a time don't exactly make for a dinner together but rather in shifts.
Home cooking is part of the old style family living and as has been posted on various threads here at FreeRepublic is what many remember--especially holiday cooking and the family all pitching in.
I think its just a matter of making it a priority.
I have always worked anywhere from 40 to 80 hours a week, but have always been home every evening... nearly always eat dinner as a family... and my wife stays home.
I also manage to play 3 sports a week as well as 3 professional business meetings a month... wife is a girlscout leader, and my son plays sports and piano and karate as well... at times it is hectic beyond belief, but it is very rare we don't eat dinner together or spend at least some time together in the evenings.
Your life, and what you do with it, reflect your true priorities. What you say doesn't matter, what you feel doesn't matter, what you believe doesn't matter.. its what you DO that counts.
Yea, we don't have a 5,000 square ft McMansion, and yes, our cars are 14 and 10 years old respectively, and no, we don't have a ski chalet or a beach house... and no, we don't have name brand clothing.... no, we don't even have extended cable or digital tv... Only have a prepaid cell phone for use in emergencies.... most of the clothing our kid wears is second hand..... as is some of our stuff, and the stuff that's not is generally from lower end department stores.....
However, those cars are paid for, our kid goes to private school, I'm home every night.... And no matter how hectic my jobs have been, I always make sure that is the case... even if it means leaving work at 5pm, only to go back at 9pm and work until 1am to make up for it.
I could change this behavior, probably double my salary in short order, and never see my family... and I could have a new car, big house, and all the toys... but I'd rather have true influence in my childs life rather than showering him with gifts over guilt for not being there.