Study Overview
The National Survey of Parents examined the activity patterns of American parents; specifically, the survey asked about how parents balanced work, household tasks, child care, and leisure activities. The study respondents completed time-diaries detailing their previous day's activities, including primary and secondary activities as well as the people with whom they engaged in these activities. Additionally, respondents provided demographic information for the respondent and spouse (if applicable), weekly estimates of time devoted to a variety of activities with children, feelings of time pressure, and the extent to which they enjoyed various parenting activities.
The sample was selected via Random Digit Dialing and designed to include approximately equal numbers of interviews conducted on each day of the week.