Social Change and Estonian Parents’ Time Allocation to Their Children

Abstract

This article explores the changes in Estonian parents’ subjective feelings about the sufficiency of time they spend with their children and the factors related to their assessments. The study uses data from the population surveys Work, Family and Leisure (WFL) conducted in Estonia over five-year intervals, from 1993-2008. Using the historical change hypothesis, we identify how the changes in Estonian society that have taken place since Estonia re-established its independence have led to changes in parents’ feelings about the time they devote to their children. We also examine how in different historical periods fathers’ and mothers’ satisfaction with the time spent with their children is related to their employment status, educationlevel, andfamily - based characteristics. The findings of the study draw attention to the need for further research on the subject of parental time with children.