Work/Family/School Balance 1 Ellie Goldberg, M.Ed

Family/Work/School Balance Americans report sharply higher levels of work- family conflict than do citizens of other industrialized countries. 90 percent of American mothers and 95 percent of American fathers report work-family conflict.

Today’s family Now, 70 percent of American children live in households where all adults are employed. Nearly one in four Americans—more every year—are caring for elders. Hospitals let patients out “quicker and sicker.” Yet employers still enshrine as ideal the breadwinner who is always available because his wife takes care of the children, the sick, the elderly—as well as dinner, pets, and the dry cleaning. The Three Faces of Work-Family Conflict from The Center for American Progress and the Center for WorkLife Law at the UC Hastings College of the Law analyzes the work-family conflicts that millions of American families face and provides common-sense, progressive recommendations to solve them... (Jason Rahlan Download the full reportDownload the full report (pdf) Download the executive summary (pdf) Download the executive summary

Grandparents as parents The fastest-growing household type is grandparents being the primary guardian for their grandchildren. Grandparents are the primary guardian for 30 to 50 % of children under 18 in some inner cities. Grandparents also are a major source of childcare for working parents. Nearly 20 %of working mothers with young children use the children’s grandparents for childcare. 1/3 of the grandmothers who provide care for their grandchildren are employed, so they often end up in the same position single mothers are in—at risk of losing their jobs.

Got stress?

Crisis? What happens when your kid gets sick? What happens when your babysitter gets sick? What happens when you get sick?

Score yourself personal life? family life? social life? participate in your congregation? participate in your child’s school? participate in civic life?

Got stress? Multiple family responsibilities No paid sick days Unpredictable and inflexible workplace schedules No paid family and medical leave Mandatory overtime Discrimination against parents, pregnant women and caregivers

Work Disruption Nearly one out of every two low-wage parents interviewed in one study had been sanctioned at work due to family care responsibilities. Some were fired; others lost wages; others were denied promotions or received verbal or written warnings.

Parent involvement You are not alone.

The Key: Relationships You need allies and back up networks Set up your support system before school starts. Keep emergency back up numbers up to date. Provide backups with authorizations and current info to act in your place.

Research 12

Your Policy Book Medication/Delegation Attendance/Absences Teacher – Student assignments Physical Education Grading/retention Field Trips Emergencies 13

Consider School schedules School demands School attitudes School policies School expectations

Building the Comprehensive Coordinated Care Plan Safe Effective Reliable Continuous Peace of mind Avoids disruption Educational continuity Health security 15

Ellie Goldberg, M.Ed.