From this foundational statement, Daly explores the issue of time, analyzing the “conceptual meanings of time for families” (2001, p. xii). He continues to investigate the complexities of time as viewed by different generations, even within the same family, His analysis brings to light the observation that there is “a set of underlying structural constraints that may be operating” (p. 293) when it comes to family time. Family time becomes problematic when the disparate views of family time are not recognized and accommodated from both research perspective and from the perspective of individual families. Later in the book, Daly observes that “when the discordant nature of family time is seen as a contradiction, it shifts attention from seeing family time as a personal trouble that requires a private solution, to a pervasive systemic dilemma that challenges all families in some way” (Daly, 2001, p. 293). It would seem then that interventions for families designed to assist in the difficult task of time management would necessarily take place in both the micro and macro levels.
One of the most drastic societal changes over the past few decades has been the increase in women’s employment, particularly among mothers. This increase in women’s paid labor has elicited much public and academic concern regarding how the employment of mothers affects children (Casper & Bianchi, 2002). Although a worthwhile concern, it is important to acknowledge the full range of potential impact parental employment, especially of mothers, has on parents’ time with children. This includes greater attention to how the amount of mothers’ and fathers’ time with children is influenced, how work schedules influence time allocation, and how parents’ feelings about their time commitments may have consequences for the time they do spend in the family arena. In addition, appropriate assessments of parental employment as it relates to time must also make important acknowledgments about family structure, the changing nature of work and work scheduling, and gender. Indeed, maternal employment is likely to have different implications for single mothers than for married mothers; just as emerging workplace technologies and policies may influence a successful balance of work and family time commitments. Moreover, parents’ feelings of achieving a successful balance of work and family time are undoubtedly influenced by the gendered nature of work and family roles. Assessments of all of these factors make important contributions to our understanding of how parents’ participation in the paid labor force has ripple effects on time allocation and quality within the family, and point to many future directions for future research.
As families age, it may become more challenging to experience quality, meaningful time with each other (in light of competing life demands); however, it is the perception of quality of time spent together (rather than quantity of time or proximity) that more likely enhances well-being (Roberto, Allen, & Blieszner, 1999). To date, there are no psychometrically sound measures that adequately capture the depth of meaningful time experiences between older parents and their family members.
We live in an age and culture where the word “stress” has become a staple in our vocabulary. Stress has always been around, but in today’s fast-paced world, it has gained much more attention. Since the early twentieth century, stress management has been the topic of many books. Each has had its own suggestions on how to ease the consequences of a stressful life. Stress can be dealt with in numerous ways; some are healthy, and some are detrimental.
In 2006 I assumed the editorship of Michigan Family Review from Libby Blume. I would like to take a moment to thank Dr. Blume for her support during my editorship of MFR. Libby has been a tremendous source of support and insight as I learned the ropes of being an editor of a peer reviewed journal. She was always available, providing assistance, advice, and expertise when called upon.