Number 9: Balance of Work and Family
Number 9: Balance of Work and Family
"The rising pressure to invest more of one's energy in work at the expense of family."
Often, a moment of decision is not a decision at all, but the logical choice given thousands of decisions made in the past.
The decision to work late, go back into the office, see one more client, etc. was made before the event... when the deed was signed, the purchase was made, the private school application was submitted... etc.
Also, the dream of having one parent stay home to raise the kids full-time seems to be getting less and less likely for families. Despite the high priority we say we place on family, other good priorities seem to crowd out time with children. These include the need for the right education, the need for a good home in a nice neighborhood, and the honor and feelings of accomplishment that come with success.
However, the stakes are getting higher. No longer is working too hard merely costing parents the joy of time with children -- children increasingly are seeking attention from other sources.
The number 9 topic facing today's family, as expressed by individuals from a range of backgrounds, is "Balance of Work and Family."
Resources Guide - Balance of Work and Family
Part of the Series: Top 10 Issues Facing Today's Family...
Comments from survey participants
Mom comes home tired, Dad comes home tired. Family life suffers - nutritution suffers, homework for school suffers, kids must make decisions for themselves that parents should make for them. Too much emphasis on material things, not Godly things.
Diane W.
Guyton, GA
With both parents working outside the home there is no longer a parent to make the home a refuge. The children are being raised more often by outside influences than their parents. No matter how involved working parents may try to be they are limited by time... a huge factor to consider. I say this with compassion knowing that some do not have a choice and I believe that God provides grace in such circumstance that covers what we cannot. Although, in most circumstances I think people decide to have two parents working to aquire the material forgetting the importance of the Christian home.
Lisa C.
Hillsboro, OR
Children are spending more and more time away from busy mom and dads which is hurting their mental and spiritual growth.
Toby D.
Kansas City, MO
Selected articles from the LifeWay.com archives
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Key Scriptures
Psalms 90:12: "Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts." Holman CSB
Matt. 11:28-30: "Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Holman CSB
Helpful Ministry Links
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Men's Fraternity: Helping Men Reach Up
Men need to be connected with other men. We need to surround ourselves with other Christian males - guys who can challenge us, share our struggles, help us up when we stumble, and cheer for our successes. That's what Men’s Fraternity is all about.
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Focus on the Family
Focus on the Family began in 1977 in response to Dr. James Dobson's increasing concern for the American family. Dr. Dobson's method attempts to "turn hearts toward home" by reasonable, biblical and empirical insights so people will be able to discover the founder of homes and the creator of families: Jesus Christ.
Resources to help you address this issue
A helpful resources guide has been assembled to help you address this issue in your home, church, or other areas of life.
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