In this chapter the impact on parental lifestyles of escorting children is described and in particular the effect on the position of women in the job market. Evidence is taken from time budget surveys carried out in 1987. A graph is presented of time spent accompanying children. Strong peaks are evident at 8.30am and 3.30pm. Most escorting is carried out by mothers. Fathers' contributions are less than 10% although they do most in the evening. The relationships between mothers' employment, time spent escorting children and household income is examined. The employment status of women is shown to be strongly related both to the age of the youngest child and to household income. A table is provided which compares time spent escorting in 1984/7 with that in 1974/5. This shows a doubling in the amount of time spent escorting children.
Abstract