Arbeitszeitflexibilisierung und Work-Family-Balance: Mehr Abgrenzungsstress statt mehr Familienzeit?

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Bibliographic Details
Title:	Arbeitszeitflexibilisierung und Work-Family-Balance: Mehr Abgrenzungsstress statt mehr Familienzeit?
Authors:	Mayert, Andreas¹ andreas.mayert@si-ekd.de
Source:	Forum Erwachsenenbildung. 2026, Issue 1, p30-34. 5p.
Subject Terms:	Work-life balance, Leisure, Flextime, Family-work relationship, Role conflict, Life satisfaction
Abstract (English):	The article examines the life satisfaction of parents compared to childless individuals and the impact of flexible working hours on work-family balance. Studies show that, on average, parent couples are not more satisfied than childless couples, indicating the "parenting paradox," where the positive effects of parenthood are offset by financial and stress-related costs associated with raising children. Additionally, it is discussed that while flexible working hours could potentially improve the compatibility of family and work, they often do not lead to higher satisfaction, as the need for genuine leisure time with children is not adequately addressed. The article suggests that creative measures to promote family time, rather than mere flexibility, are necessary to enhance parents' satisfaction. [Extracted from the article]
Abstract (German):	Der Artikel untersucht die Lebenszufriedenheit von Eltern im Vergleich zu kinderlosen Menschen und die Auswirkungen von Arbeitszeitflexibilisierung auf die Work-Family-Balance. Studien zeigen, dass Elternpaare im Durchschnitt nicht zufriedener sind als kinderlose Paare, was auf das „Kinderparadox“ hinweist, bei dem die positiven Effekte der Elternschaft durch finanzielle und stressbedingte Kinderkosten ausgeglichen werden. Zudem wird diskutiert, dass Arbeitszeitflexibilität zwar potenziell die Vereinbarkeit von Familie und Beruf verbessern könnte, jedoch oft nicht zu einer höheren Zufriedenheit führt, da die Bedürfnisse nach echter Freizeit mit den Kindern nicht ausreichend berücksichtigt werden. Der Artikel schlägt vor, dass kreative Maßnahmen zur Förderung von Familienzeit anstelle von bloßer Flexibilität notwendig sind, um die Zufriedenheit von Eltern zu erhöhen. [Extracted from the article]
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Database:	Education Research Complete

Description
Abstract:	The article examines the life satisfaction of parents compared to childless individuals and the impact of flexible working hours on work-family balance. Studies show that, on average, parent couples are not more satisfied than childless couples, indicating the "parenting paradox," where the positive effects of parenthood are offset by financial and stress-related costs associated with raising children. Additionally, it is discussed that while flexible working hours could potentially improve the compatibility of family and work, they often do not lead to higher satisfaction, as the need for genuine leisure time with children is not adequately addressed. The article suggests that creative measures to promote family time, rather than mere flexibility, are necessary to enhance parents' satisfaction. [Extracted from the article]
ISSN:	1433769X