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With both parents working more and more hours, out of necessity rather than choice and with day care centres now offering 24/7 care for our children puts a lot of pressue on today's working parents.  Forty percent of the American labor force now works some form of nonstandard hours, including evenings, nights, weekends and early mornings, according to Harriet B. Presser, a professor of sociology at the University of Maryland.

In an article in the New York Time article, “Day Care Centers Adapt to Round-the-Clock Demand”, Sabrina Tavernise writes about the need for working parents in today’s economy to have increased babysitting options because traditional 9-6 jobs are not necessarily the norm any more. The article talks about how care giving centers are providing babysitting for all hours so that parents who work odd hours can feel assured that their children are taken care of and safe.

Bedtime at ABC & Me Childcare in Elyria, Ohio, which is open 24 hours a day. While overnight care is still relatively rare, evening hours are not unusual.

We asked out therapist what she thought about the impact of having both parents on working harder than ever has on themselves and this is what Alisa Hafkin, LCSW has to say.

It is wonderful to see that the demand for more care giving is being met by these centers but the article did not discuss the toll this takes on relationships with children, partners and on one’s self. The economy of today has changed drastically over the past generation, making it extremely difficult for many parents to make ends meet with a traditional daytime job. The loss of time spent with children and partners may contribute to increased stress and confusion, so it is important to find ways to make time spent together as stress free as possible.

As parents find themselves under the gun more and more to maintain a household, it becomes increasingly important to watch for signs of stress, depression, excess fatigue, appetite and sleep changes, anger and anxiety.

There are no easy answers to the growing concerns about how to survive economically but there are ways to help cope, including seeking help when the pressure becomes unmanageable. Help comes in many forms including therapy, exercise, acupuncture, diet, learning how to communicate more easily and many more strategies. It doesn’t take much to relieve some of the pressure and with support, managing an odd hours job or working two jobs can feel less of a burden for you and your family.

Do not wait until everything looks and feels like it is all unmanageable and you are out of control or out of options. Reach out to our therapist, Alisa, who has her own practice in Manhattan and protect your sanity and the well being of your family and relationships before it is too late.

Alisa Hafkin, LCSW

Alisa works with individuals, who are experiencing difficulty with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, work and interpersonal conflicts, all within the context of the conception, pregnancy and the post-partum period. She says how you feel about your self, your life, your relationships and your pursuits can drastically change when trying to conceive, during pregnancy and after delivery.

Alisa's expertise with individuals & couples during their childbearing years developed from over seven years experience as a doula (teacher, guide, caregiver for pre & post partum families). Forming a trusting bond during this vulnerable time period enables Alisa to help people understand and cope with the feelings such as powerlessness while undergoing fertility treatments, anxiety about the future during pregnancy, helplessness when dealing with a newborn and confusion about relationships and roles.

Alisa says many individuals and couples struggle with powerful emotions that emerge during this time in their lives. She says if you feel sad, over whlemed, confused, angry, stuck or afraid, you may need help dealing with this significant change in your life. Together, with Alisa, you CAN uncover your personal resources that will provide you with feelings of competence and insight as you progress through this period in your life.

To book an appointment to have a 'chat' with the lovely Alisa, please e-mail Alisa@momtomomsadvisor.com. Please give a contact number and a convenient time to return the call.

BIO

Alisa earned her Master of Social Work degree from Fordham University. She combines her phychotherapy practice with seven years experience as a doula to create a unique expertise with individuals and couples preparing and/or deaing with pre and post pregnancy issues. Her distinctive practice includes home based therapy sessions when office visists are not feasible. In addition, Alisa works in the creative arena, providing therapy for muscians through The Jazz Foundation of America. Alisa maintains a private practice in Manhattan's Upper West Side.

FEES ARE PAYABLE DIRECTLY TO THE THERAPIST.