Making the Best of Shift Work and Parenting - It's Not Easy!

Making the Best of Shift Work and Parenting – It’s Not Easy!

Many employees with children work nonstandard hours. The relationship between shift work and parent-child interaction has been studied by many. For example, one study found that parents working certain nonstandard shifts, especially those working nights and weekends, were less likely to eat dinner with their children (of course this depended in part on which shift the parents worked). Other studies point that some nonstandard shifts have a positive correlation with whether parents had breakfast with their children.

Some shift workers report that they are unhappy with their circumstances regarding parenting and blame it on their work hours. A recent Canadian study reported that while 76% of day workers were satisfied with their work-life balance, only 69% of shift workers said the same. It’s true that from a work/family perspective, shift work can be more complicated than working regular hours due to unpredictable and unscheduled work. And, in many shift work operations, the schedule is governed by seniority. So, younger people with children end up with the least control or choice over their work hours.

Employers can actually help their workers be happier at home. A new study by researchers at Kansas State University reported that workers who are happy on the job are also happier at home. They found that workers who were engaged on the job, with higher levels of vigor, more dedication, with interest and connection to daily activities, presented with better moods and were more satisfied at home. The outcome of the study was presented in April at the annual conference for Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology in New Orleans. The research was carried out by Clive Fullagar, KSU professor of psychology; Satoris Culbertson, KSU assistant professor of psychology; and Maura Mills, graduate student in psychology. Previous studies have indicated that people who report high levels of work-family conflict tend to also report experiencing lower job satisfaction, poorer health, lower job performance and a greater likelihood of leaving the organization.

Single mothers are increasingly working shift work. When mothers work evening shifts, they inevitably spend less time with their children. And since studies have shown that time spent with mother is a significant predictor of positive relationship quality, the bond between mothers and children may be more challenged when mothers works evenings.

A study of 55 dual-earner families with children age 8 to 14 years and mothers working either day or evening shifts, found that fathers whose wives work evenings (vs. days) spend more time with children, know more about children’s activities, receive more disclosures from children, and have better parenting skills. The same study found that mothers’ work schedules have no impact on their parenting behaviors – they are as involved with their children no matter what work schedule they are on.

In another study, the daughters of shift working fathers reported a significantly poorer perception of their ability in school-related activities and significantly greater discrepancies between their perceived overall level of competence and their ideal level of competence. In addition, more depressive symptoms and a lower level of self-esteem were also found for the daughters of shift working fathers in comparison with the daughters of day working fathers. No issues with ability perception, depressive symptoms or lower self-esteem were found for the sons of shift working fathers.

While working alternative schedules can impact parent-child relationships, shift working parents can do a lot to improve their relationships with children. Here are some ideas:

Show respect - Even though they are children, remember to show them respect as people.

Listen – Let kids talk about any concerns they have about both parents’ time and work schedules. Make sure they see both the positives and negatives of shift work.

Communicate well – Plan ahead using a calendar to show the work schedule and the time set aside for family activities. Create new ways of communicating when you’re not together, like text messaging, e-mail or video.

Show an interest – Kids, especially teenagers, often have their own agendas. Be open to their new ways of looking at things, let them teach you something new, like something computer or cell phone related.

Be encouraging – Make sure kids know that you support them. Speak to them with a positive voice and pick your battles.

Spend time together – Show them how busy everyone is, not just you. Focus on quality vs. quantity. While the amount of time is important, make the best use of the time you have.

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