British society has undergone extensive changes in recent years, as the onset of the recession has mutated the concept of home life and average family structures.

 

But more recently, studies have shown there has been an abandonment of the family ideal when it is needed most.

 

"It's clear that families are under pressure, and unfortunately for many parents it's their kids that are suffering,” warned Alison Morris, Savings Expert for Scottish Widows.

 

Studies have shown that spending time with children is no longer a priority for British parents but the family home needs parental income now more than ever.

 

Busy working lives, hectic schedules and mounting debts have made spare time a premium amongst working parents and, despite their best efforts, spending time with their families can no longer be seen as the number one priority.

 

According to Scottish Widows, a third of parents who are not spending enough time with their families admit their job gets in the way of quality time at home. Nearly half of the parents and grandparents who feel they are not putting their family first said this was because they simply don't have time to spend with the kids.

 

But 60% of UK households with dependent children now rely on two incomes to survive, as the average household debt for parents reached £91,648, up by £3,000 since last year.

 

However, as more families rely on joint incomes, they are open to the serious risks of repossessions and more debt problems if one parent becomes unable to work due to illness, redundancy, disability or worse.

 

“People are leaving themselves exposed to a lack of income should anything happen to the main breadwinner, and large personal debt to repay on top of this could make things even more difficult,” warned Scottish Widow’s Protection Director, Clive Allison.

 

“Families need to make sure they protect themselves financially so if they do get into difficulties they have the vital back up in place to look after their families and loved ones.”

 

There are numerous measures parents should take to ensure the future is as enjoyable and pain free as possible.

 

Changes to employment rights mean workers can now apply for flexible working, or remote working, when caring for children, as long as they are not agency workers or in the Armed Forces.

 

Under current law, an employer is obligated to review and assess an employee’s application for flexible working, only denying the request if there is a justifiable business reason for doing so.

 

And for those welcoming babies into their lives, be sure to exercise paternity and maternity rights for employment leave.

 

Parental leave is available for those who have been with a company for more than 12 months and have children less than five years of age, rising to 18 if the child is disabled.

Employees must be able to prove that they are parents and they have parental responsibility for their children, either through birth certificates, adoption certificates or recognised legal acknowledgment for children.

 

But families should also plan for the worst.

 

Families are rarely prepared for a loved one’s death and home finances can become an unneeded nuisance during emotional periods. The Law society has recently urged families to make sure their wills are legitimate and that means using professional, regulated services provided by local solicitors.

 

Employment and family solicitors are there to help ensure all employment and estate matters are handled properly and within the correct legal guidelines. Being aware of employment rights and the knowledge that provisions are in place in the event of unfortunate matters can help add a few more precious moments to a family’s life.