Working Parents Say They’re in a Losing Battle Over Their Time

In most families in the United States, parents work full time — and 60 percent of those who do say they spend too little time with their children, according to a Pew Research Center survey released Tuesday.

Nearly half miss events their children are involved in. Majorities say they don’t have time for hobbies, socializing, exercising or relaxing. Most handle family responsibilities during the work day and do work during family time.

Yet even though they’re stretched thin, they also wouldn’t necessarily choose another arrangement, a variety of surveys show. Most parents say they’re happy, they have positive relationships with their children, and they want to work. Their challenge, the results suggest, is having enough time and flexibility to do it all.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/16/upshot/parenting-working-balance-survey.html