3 months ago 06th Aug 12:12
New survey reveals working families feel their kids get a head start
Seven out of ten working parents think having a job helps set a positive role model for their kids and gives them a good start in life, according to a poll undertaken by Jobcentre Plus with the readership of That’s Life! magazine.
The figures, which come as the school summer holidays get into full swing, also show that eight out of 10 mums surveyed think the main benefits of being in work are having more money to pay the bills and do things as a family.
Although a third of the parents surveyed who don’t work cited having to look after their children as the reason why they don’t have a job, encouragingly, almost three quarters of parents (seven out of 10) felt that it was easy, or easier than expected, to return to work after having children. The majority felt skills learnt during parenthood were valuable in the work place, for example: multitasking, organisation, time-management, problem solving and team working. The survey also revealed that, among other benefits, a third believe their children had a head start in school and had grown in confidence as a result of being in childcare while they were at work.
Life and career coach Honey Langcaster-James, who is also a consultant psychologist, said: “Being in work is known to boost your confidence and self-esteem – it enables you to socialise with like minded people and earn your own income, which can be incredibly rewarding.
“In addition, as the findings of this poll suggest, being in work can benefit your children by setting them a positive role model. These days, employers are aware of the need to be flexible so if you have children, don’t worry, it is possible to enjoy the benefits of work and still spend time together as a family.”
As well as the benefits to their children and to family life, almost seven out of 10 parents report feeling happier in work than out of work and almost eight out of 10 parents claim that being in work makes them feel better about themselves. This may be in part attributable to the fact that over half of parents in work feel able to treat themselves with the money they are earning and have more fun and a social life with their work mates.
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