Gulf parents want more time with their children: Poll

The average working parent in the Gulf region spends about three and half hours a day with their family, according to a new study.

Pollsters quizzed 309 working mums and dads from 13 companies across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

Many said they wanted to spend even more time with their families and believed that extra quality time would bring the family closer together, allow them time to set good examples for the children, solve family disputes and pass on family values.

It would also, they said, help families keep cultural values alive and alleviate emotional stress among family members.

The ‘Family Time’ study was compiled for cookie firm OREO as part of its campaign to encourage parents to spend more time with their children.

A parallel study conducted in Europe showed that parents there spend less time with their children - just over two hours a day.

While all of the Gulf parents wanted more time at home, only 28 per cent of the Europeans wanted the same, the survey revealed.

Among the companies that took part in the survey was Mastercard and Ngozi Megwa, president of its Women’s Leadership Network, said: “OREO’s initiative serves as a wake-up call for all of us, especially parents, to strive for a healthy, work-life balance and to commit more time to our families.”

However, some 7DAYSUAE facebook were skeptical of the findings.

Mian Faysal wrote that he can only spend “one hour approx in a week on skype” with his family, while Ray Mond said: “No mention of Nannies in the survey then?”

myra@7days.ae

How much emphasis do you put on family time? Email letters@7days.ae