With a fast-changing economy and high rising rent prices, many have taken on the responsibility of providing for their family. Although multiparent working households are a necessity for many, students are affected too! From their day-to-day lives to their emotional and physical well-being, they are put under a great amount of pressure.
As the new school year begins students undertake responsibilities of the house. Even though this may seem like a simple task it may cause problems in school experiences. It has consequences such as falling behind on assignments, missing important classes, and being unable to take part in school events. Ashlynn Parker, a senior at Taylorsville High said, “I am often late to my first few classes due to transportation or childcare issues so therefore I am always behind on work leading me to have low grades and lower credits compared to the rest of my peers.”
Although many believe balancing school and home life is easy they might need to think again. Students agree that it is not as simple as it seems. From cleaning and caring for younger children who cannot be independent to unfinished school assignments it may seem as if there are not enough hours in a day!
Lack of time present in the household has its effects too. Studies have shown that a present parent is necessary for mental and emotional development. This absence not only leads to low mental stability but it also affects the cognitive development of children. A study by The National Library of Medicine concluded, “Left-behind children have a lower cognitive test score and academic test scores, and they are also less likely to attend a college. In particular, a mother’s absence seems to have persistent negative effects on children’s development”.
Often students are left to fill the role of a parental figure in the lives of younger children. In some cases, this causes a drift between parent and child due to the lack of their presence in the household. This stressful environment leads to arguments between family members leaving students to deal with the aftermath. According to Karen Olvera, a senior at Taylorsville High School, “Parental absence creates distance between family members leading to arguments and disagreements over minor incidents that have little to no significance whatsoever.”
Similarly to these weakened family bonds, their social lives are also affected. Students are not able to attend school events such as dances, clubs, sports, or simple activities such as going out with friends. This is due to either transportation, childcare issues, or just lack of time in general. Students agree that these issues often stop them from doing the things they enjoy. Fatima Garcia, a senior says, “I am the main childcare provider and can not leave them to take care of themselves. It has stopped me from going out with friends and school events since there is no one else who can care for them.”
In today’s society dual income families are becoming a common occurrence. With both parents gone, household responsibilities fall on students who have difficulties balancing school and home life. Claudia Goldin, winner of the 2023 Economic Nobel states “Two-earner families struggle with the stress of juggling jobs, raising children, and keeping up with everyday tasks.”
