When the issue of relationship building is brought up, one of the concerns that is often raised by the working parents is the lack of time that they spend with their children. Working parents need to keep in mind that it is not the amount of time they spend with their child, but the quality of the interaction in the time spent together. A parent who spends a half an hour a day, reading or playing with a young child, or talking with or playing a game with an older child is providing quality parenting time. Therefore, family activities that involve talking, sharing and playing are quality parenting.

Assertive-democratic parenting is, perhaps, considered the best and appropriate parenting style for today's working parents who usually take on the dual full-time roles in the family. Children learning to take responsibility and be cooperative are high priority. Children of working parents often learn to be more independent and self-sufficient, if they are a part of the decision-making process of how the family will accomplish all the necessary tasks, which need to be done to keep a family functioning smoothly. From this process, children learn how to be responsible for their commitments; and how to cooperate and function as a team to accomplish tasks.

Another positive outgrowth of both parents working is the increased involvement of fathers in parenting role. Fathers now do enjoy the close relationship with children, as they are caring for and being involved in their children's development from infancy to adulthood. This builds a positive support system for both spouses and fosters the feeling of togetherness.

Working families also need to build support system of "substitute parent." When neither parent can leave work to support a child's need, these support individuals can substitute. To engage the "substitute parent" or child caregiver to practice consistent parenting is necessary to make parents' job easier. Therefore, developing a rapport with your caregiver is essential. Though parents are paying for a service, but childcare is much more than a business relationship. After all, this person is watching your child, so you want your relationship to be the best it can be.

Think long term, keep in mind that raising a child is a process. Today, it may take some valuable time of yours to do the groundwork, but you will see it pay off in the long run.