Women with children often find themselves caught in situations where they are torn between work and family.  Especially single mothers or single fathers who do not have other individuals who can take care of their children should anything happen. Companies can institute programs that will help their working parents. Some companies offer benefits to assist with daycare or even have daycare centers in their places of work. Flexible schedules are also very beneficial to parents who may have to drop children off at school and pick them up after school is over.

The Encyclopedia of Children’s Healthstates that a majority of women who live with their husbands also work but there is not a typical type of woman who fits the working mother role. It is a very diverse group and all have a variety of reasons for why they have to work and balance their family life. This balancing act can be a tight rope to walk for the mom or dad who is trying to be the so-called supermom or superdad.  The parent who balances work, school, family, soccer games for Timmy and ballet lessons for Susie. These individuals often face burnout and in some cases may turn to ways of escape that are not so beneficial to the person or their family. At the same time these individuals are also at an age where many are also dealing with aging parents.  Being caught in this situation can be overwhelming. It is important for an employer to offer support services for employees.  Support can be in the form of counseling or even just establishing an open door policy in which employees feel more comfortable in coming to their managers to discuss any problems they may be having. If an employer notices that problems with work are occurring an effort to reach out to the employee should be made to determine the source of the problems.