The fact that both parents may work is not really news for Greeks. After the end of the Second World War, in rural areas, both women and men worked in local family businesses, mainly farming. In the 1960s, a lot of people moved to big cities and mothers stopped participating in financial matters of the family. During the last decades the family model has been modified once more : it is common now days for the mother to work and contribute to financial needs, meeting new challenges.
It is common knowledge that young children, at the beginning of their life, need extra care to develop on all physical, cognitive and psycho – social levels. The brain changes rapidly and they interpret the world around them, building up on self-esteem. At the same time, parents, especially younger ones, are developing careers - aiming to realize their dreams for success. Finding balance between these two roles is a challenge, not only for each parent individually, but also for the couple’s relationship. Working mothers are confronted with greater “pressure”, as they are traditionally more involved to the house’s and children’s care.
Experts in the past have been supporting that the absence of both parents for professional reasons could negatively affect the child’s psycho-social development, while some researchers have mentioned a correlation between working parents and high risk behaviors in adolescence. However, recent studies prove that mothers satisfied with their job, have more alternatives and can devote qualitative time, despite any physical fatigue. Their efficiency does not lack at any level, while youth high risk behaviors are a multi factorial expression. At the same time, husbands do appreciate the contribution of their significant other and positively participate in daily house care. However, both parts have to everyday struggle to keep balance and maintain a healthy and interesting bond. One must keep in mind that increase of divorce rates in our country is linked to lack of time for companionship and personal moments - significant for both to enjoy , and, as a result , it all ends up in alienation between husband and wife.
Grandparents also have their role to the contemporary Greek Family. They are the only ones to be really trusted, concerning care and safekeeping of children. Kids enjoy their companionship, past story telling and loving gestures. However, grandparents can be very tolerant in their grand children’s needs, even if they seem extreme and/or irrational. This may lead to tension between parents and their parents’, especially if contradictory messages are given. When returning from work, parents expect their children to be safe, content, and having received life messages according to their principles within set limits.
References
American Academy of Pediatrics. Dedicated to the health of all children, 2012.