Changes in quantity and quality of time for children: United States, 1981-1997

This paper tries to analyze changes in the allocation of time decided by mothers and how different characteristics of them, such us marital status, employment status, etc., influences that allocation across the period 1981-1997 in the United States. Data reveals that there exists an increase on the quantity and quality of time devoted to children by some types of mothers and children. It is shown that the behavioral component of this change is larger than the structural component. Then, the determinants of direct and indirect time, quality versus quantity, are analyzed in a simultaneous equation framework. Estimations suggest that if a mother works, children's time is reduced. However working time is a substitutes of quantity of time with children, but not quality. Being single reduces not only time but its quality. Mother's earnings and level of education have changed their influence on the allocation of time across time.