Children affected by parents’ work stress

Though it’s not terribly surprising, research has shown that there is a consistent association between job quality and parents’ reports of their children’s well-being and behavior:

The research was based on a sample of 4600 working parents with children aged four to five:

It shows lack of job security and autonomy at work is an often overlooked aspect in the debate on family-friendly workplaces. The stress caused to workers who lack these conditions may spill over into family life and affect their children.

Even though I have a job of reasonable quality, I do have to watch myself when I come home at the end of the day. I may be stressed about not having finished what I needed to have finished at work, and, the kids (and my poor husband) can tell right away.

Especially in the summer when they’re all home, and, I have to work, my mood can set the tone for the entire evening if I come home frustrated about something. I get mad, they misbehave, and, the cycle continues.

I try to use my commute time to wind down, but, it doesn’t always work. There are times (like, oh, say, tonight) that I am frustrated about things, but, I just have to fake it until I can calm down, and, it makes for a much better time for the kids.

(Help me win the Work It, Mom! contest. Vote for my essay here! Thanks!)