Children reveal views on work/life balance

Children's views on the work/life balance are revealed for the first time in a new survey commissioned by BBC 7's children's programme The Big Toe Radio Show. The results show that there is still a significant gender divide when it comes to perceived parental roles.

When asked to agree or disagree with the question: It's better to earn less money but have more time with your family, 77% of children polled, aged between seven and 12, opted for more time and less money. But a somewhat different picture emerged when the children were asked to answer the same question with regard to their own fathers. Fifty four per cent of the children surveyed preferred their fathers to earn more money. When considering mums, children were more likely to want to have mum at home (56%) rather than spending more time at work earning more money (44%).

The poll was commissioned to find out what children think in the light of Government legislation about flexible working for parents.

Ruth Gardiner, Editor of the Children's Unit responsible for producing Big Toe comments: We know what parents think about flexible working and their work life balance, but I wasn't aware of anyone ever asking children for their views. So that's what The Big Toe Radio Show did. The results are fascinating and I think make interesting reading for any parent (me included!).

Most children, 70%, agreed that Mums should stay at home to look after children and 45% thought that dads should. A large majority thought the Government should allow parents of small children to work less if they wanted to spend more time with their children (89%) though this figure fell to 59% for parents with children who were six and over.

Children were also asked about the time they spent with their dads (this included those living with step-parents). Most children (69%) were happy with the amount of time spent with their dad although nearly one in three would like more time, especially in the evening so they could talk about their day. The Big Toe survey reveals that if dad's working, nearly half of those questioned say they only speak to him for a few minutes a day, if at all.

ICM interviewed a random sample of children aged 7-12 between Tuesday 4th - 7th March 2003. Interviews were conducted by telephone with parents' prior permission across the country. Interviews were spread evenly over the age range and between boys and girls.

The Big Toe Radio Show, BBC7, every day 4-6pm