Received: March 29, 2010; Revised: April 5, 2010 Accepted: May 9, 2010.
ABSTRACT
This study explored time-use patterns of young children and compared the patterns according to mother's employment status. Using 6718 time diaries of 3359 children under age 5, as reported by their mothers, this study examined (1) the proportion of children who spent time on certain activities and the amount of time they spent on each activity for a weekday and a weekend day and (2) the proportion and the amount of time that children spent with certain adults. Compared to children with unemployed mothers, children with employed mothers spent more time during weekdays in child care centers and less time sleeping. These children also spent more time on education during weekends. The proportionate and actual times children spent with various adults also differed by the mother's employment status. Those with employed mothers spent less time with their mothers and more time with other relatives or teachers on weekdays. These results indicate that maternal employment corresponds with differing timeuse patterns from children's early life stages.