Working Parents: Know Your Options

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 21, 2009

You have a big deadline at work, and one of the kids is sick. How do you manage? Balancing your job and parenting can be challenging.

Feeling like you have some control over your situation was rated the top reason for job satisfaction. It's rare to find jobs with freedom to choose the hours or days you will work. But it is helpful when you can leave work when an emergency occurs or have flexibility to adjust your schedule to handle personal issues.

Here are some ideas to discuss when approaching your supervisor:

• Start early and take an extended lunch to attend the preschool screening.
• Trade shifts with someone or "job share".
• Work fewer hours one day and make it up the next.
• Take work home or telecommute.
• Work fewer days, but increase the hours (4, 10-hour days)
• Take vacation time by the hour, instead of half or full days.
• Check if sick leave, personal leave or family leave applies to the situations.

Discussing your options with your boss will give you a better idea of how things can be handled at work. Unfortunately some jobs don't give us an option that works for our family.

Studies show many employees wind up working more hours than they prefer. Some may be unable to change their work schedules. What are your options other than changing jobs? Again, a sense of control helps. Families with young children need to be prepared with a plan B.

If you can't get flexibility at work, try one of these sources:

• Does a friend or family member have more flexibility on the job? Would they fill in with your children in exchange for your help at another time?
• Is there a relative or neighbor who can help with an ill child?
• Do you have back-up childcare, when your regular provider is not available?
• Can you hire someone to transport your kids to their events?
• Are extended family members willing to attend the activities and events the children participate in—either with you or in your absence?

In her book "Ask the Children", Ellen Galinsky says parents who have support feel more confident and effective in parenting. Knowing your options and thinking ahead will help you avoid the panic button when conflicts occur between work and home.

Deborah McClellan, MS & Patti Faughn, University of Illinois Extension