FR 1-12

09/05

Abstract

Family Ties: Constructing Family Time in Low-Income Families

Prepared by: Debbie Richardson, Child Development Assistant Specialist

and Shannon Dial, Graduate Assistant

Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service

333 HES, Oklahoma State University

Stillwater, OK 74078-6111

405-744-6231

debbie.richardson@okstate.edu

Tubbs, C., Roy. K., & Burton, L., (2005). Family Ties: Constructing Family Time in Low-Income Families. Family Process, 44(1), pp.77-91.

Family time, or time free from work, school, and family chores can be purchased by many families using extra income, but for those without that income family time is a little harder to come by.

Purpose The study explored how low-income mothers make time for and give meaning to focused engagement and relationship development with their children within the time constraints that come with being poor and relying on welfare.

Method Data from 62 low-income mothers with preschoolers between 18-48 months of age was

analyzed to understand how mothers construct family time during daily activities. The study was conducted in an urban Midwestern city and the sample’s ethnic composition included 48% Latina/Hispanic, 37% African American, and 15% White. Half of the mothers were less than 32 years old. Almost half received TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) benefits and 1/3 worked part or full time or attended school. The remaining families not on TANF had low-wage jobs or were unemployed. The majority were unmarried and about 25% were married; over half of the sample reported having no partner in the household.

Results Mothers did not consider the interaction as quality family time unless it was time that allowed them to adequately interact with their child and appreciate them. In other words, time which would increase the closeness in the relationship.

The researchers found that with these low-income mothers, family time was found in common daily activities rather than leisure activities that are separate from the normal routines. Four main areas of parent-child interaction emerged from the responses provided by these mothers: talk time, mealtime, playtime, and sharing special treats.

Family Ties: Constructing Family Time in Low-Income Families (continued)

Talk Time – 25% of mothers intentionally made time for face-to-face conversation during the daily routine. Bedtime was the most common place for discussions to occur. Similarly, bedtimes and daily prayer were two more specific times that mothers used to connect with their children.

Mealtime – 18% of mothers noted that dinnertime was designated as a time for the family to spend time together during weekdays. Dinnertime, or having a family meal, was a way of being unified each day. Mothers saw dinnertime as a good opportunity for conversation that could be had by the whole family. Some two-parent households whose schedules were sporadic would always make sure at least one parent was present when the children ate. Working single mothers were found to sit down with their children while they ate, but usually would not eat herself.

Playtime – 39% of mothers reported that they played with their children on a regular basis, however for working mothers this was much more rare. Playtime was enjoyable for mothers because they were involved in ways that did not just consist of monitoring the child.

Treats – Family time was made extra special when it involved treats. 26% of mothers reported intentionally “treating” their children at least one time during the week. Especially for low-income mothers, to give their children a treat meant that even though she did not have a lot of funds, she loved them so much she wanted to show them in this way. Treats usually involved food. Most importantly, the authors found that when a treat was given, the mother was still involved and that this treat was not meant to replace her time and affections.

Further discussed are particular factors and obstacles to family time that emerged with the low-income families. Television viewing as a family, especially when it involved child oriented or educational programs, was seen and used as a no-cost positive activity.

The varying work schedules of many low-income mothers due to the types of jobs they typically hold resulted in different or changing time orientations in

which to fit family time. Oftentimes this interaction occurred late at night and meant some mothers, and

even their children, sacrificed personal time and rest for meaningful time together. Furthermore, the continuing strain of limited financial resources “…exacerbated mothers’ stress and overwhelmed their attempts to find time with their children.” This may result in feeling less energy and motivation, using less favorable circumstances for family interaction, delegating to other caregivers, or giving up jobs or school.

Summary Most mothers in the study identified specific time they devote to building the relationship with their children. Rather than spending money on external activities, according to the authors, “…common daily activities provided low-income families with multiple opportunities for “family time” through intensive relationship development. Time was set aside for family interaction and rituals during meals, for example, but even hectic schedules allowed for unexpected chances for mothers and children to teach, learn from and nurture each other.

Asking parents about how they spend time building bonds with their children and as a family, and fitting such time into their routine, can potentially reduce other more serious problems by better meeting their child’s emotional needs.