What are the advantages of both parents working?

When mom and dad both go off to work, what does that mean for Junior? See more parenting pictures.
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While there's a good case to be made that the ideal parenting arrangement includes at least one parent acting as full-time caregiver, for many people this isn't possible -- or ideal. Many families can't afford to live on only one income, and not all parenting duos want to split the duties so sharply. In 2019, both parents in 64.2 percent of American families with children under 18 were employed [source: U.S. Census Bureau].

Two-income families enjoy better financial footing and are likely to experience less financial stress. That benefit will be enjoyed as well by the children, who aren't immune to worrying about the family's money situation. More money translates to higher-quality daycare, early education and private schooling. Families can obtain better health care, save more for their children's college education, enjoy more nights out as a family and take more frequent vacations that are nicer and longer than they might otherwise be able to afford.

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For families that choose to pursue dual income streams by working outside the house, parents may have a sense of guilt or concern over the child's diminished access to a parent. There are advantages for children who have two working parents, however. They learn to adapt to and respect other adult authority figures who supervise them, which helps to foster socialization. Daycare also puts the child in regular contact with peers, which can promote social skills such as sharing, taking turns and working as a group. The situation can also influence children's relationship with their parents -- daughters, in particular, may view the workplace as a field upon which either gender can fairly and fully compete.

Beyond the benefits to baby and bank account, there are also pros to being a working couple. When both parents share duties equally, the couple may be happier, better able to relate to one another and enjoy a greater sense of harmony in household. Working parents must equally co-parent, coordinate activities and work together to facilitate their child's school events, rehearsals and sports practices.

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Two Working Parents FAQ

How many parents both work full time?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, both parents in 64.2 percent of American families with children under 18 were employed as of 2019.
What happens when both parents work?
There are many advantages to both parents working. This includes less financial stress, better healthcare, higher quality daycare, early education, private schooling, more nights out as a family, and more frequent vacations.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of both parents working?
A few advantages of both parents working include better financial footing and less financial stress. More money translates to higher-quality daycare, early education, private schooling, better healthcare, and more frequent vacations. One of the main disadvantages is less time spent with your children.
What is it called when both parents work?
It is often referred to as a dual-income family when both parents are working.
Does both parents working affect child?
Parents may have a sense of guilt or concern over the child's diminished access to a parent, but there are advantages for children who have two working parents. They learn to adapt to and respect other adult authority figures who supervise them, which helps to foster socialization. Daycare also puts the child in regular contact with peers, which can promote social skills such as sharing, taking turns, and working as a group.

Lots More Information

Related HowStuffWorks Articles

  • American Academy of Pediatrics. "How do the kids fare when both parents work?" Dec. 15, 2009. (Feb. 3, 2010)http://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/work-play/pages/How-do-the-Kids-Fare-When-Both-Parents-Work.aspx
  • American Academy of Pediatrics. "My spouse and I both work. How will this affect our family?" Nov. 30, 2009. (Feb. 3, 2010)http://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/work-play/pages/Working-Parents.aspx
  • American Academy of Pediatrics. "Parenting Corner: Working Mothers." June 2007. (Feb. 3, 2010)http://www.aap.org/publiced/bk0_workingmothers.htm
  • Grollman, Earl A.; Sweder, Gerri L. The Working Parent Dilemma: How to Balance the Responsibilities of Children and Careers. Beacon Press, 1988. ISBN 0807027030, 9780807027035.http://books.google.com/books?id=WiosFboajKsC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_navlinks_s#v=onepage&q=&f=false
  • Hoffman, Emily P. The economics of work and family. W.E. Upjohn Institute, 2002. ISBN 0880992468, 9780880992466.http://books.google.com/books?id=cMaB8MGznqcC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_navlinks_s#v=onepage&q=&f=false
  • KidsHealth. "Kids' Health Issues to Watch: Dealing With Financial Turmoil." (Feb. 3, 2010)http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/family/bfs_issues_economy.html
  • Sale, June S.; Kollenberg, Kit; Melinkoff, Ellen. The Working Parents Handbook. Simon and Schuster, 1996. ISBN 0684802376, 9780684802374.http://books.google.com/books?id=e9iOODu-heoC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_navlinks_s#v=onepage&q=&f=false
  • U.S. Census Bureau. "Census Bureau Reports Families With Children Increasingly Face Unemployment." Jan. 15, 2010.http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/families_households/014540.html

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