Many parents today do not spend much time with their children. Why is this? Does this affect parents or children more?
Many parents today do not spend much time with their children. Why is this? Does this affect parents or children more?
In modern societies, it is increasingly common for parents to spend limited time with their children. This situation is mainly caused by economic pressures and lifestyle changes, and it tends to affect children more seriously than parents.
One major reason for this trend is the growing demand of work. Many parents are required to work long hours or take on multiple jobs in order to cope with rising living costs, such as housing, education, and healthcare. As a result, they return home late and have little time or energy left for family interaction. In addition, modern lifestyles are heavily influenced by technology. Even when parents are at home, they may be distracted by work emails, smartphones, or social media, which reduces the quality of time spent with their children. In some cases, parents also prioritise career success, believing that providing financial security is more important than daily interaction.
Although parents may experience feelings of guilt or emotional distance, children are generally more affected by this lack of attention. During childhood, parental involvement is essential for emotional development, discipline, and the formation of values. When children receive insufficient guidance or emotional support, they may feel neglected and develop behavioural problems, insecurity, or low self-esteem. For example, children who rarely communicate with their parents may struggle academically or seek attention from negative peer groups. Parents, on the other hand, are usually better equipped to manage emotional challenges as adults and may not experience the same long-term effects.
In conclusion, parents spend less time with their children mainly due to work demands and modern distractions. While both sides are affected, children suffer more deeply and over a longer period, particularly in terms of emotional and social development. For this reason, parents should make a conscious effort to prioritise meaningful interaction with their children despite busy schedules.