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Complicating IssuesFamily obligations require significant time and energy commitmentsMany study respondents reported complex family obligations
that required significant time and energy commitments.
These obligations frequently interfered with their ability to attend
adult education programs. Certainly
childcare was an often-mentioned responsibility, especially for women. Mainly my children always are in need of me. Seems like every second, every minute. Or just doing things that are required of me at home, you know, takin’ care of the children. Lots of times I don’t have a baby-sitter after I get off work ‘cause the day care closes at six, so it’s kind of difficult. While females most frequently discussed child-related
responsibilities, several male respondents also indicated they were at times
responsible for childcare. If I ain’t workin’, I’m watchin’ the kids. Most of the time, I’ll load them up and we’ll go to the park or we’ll go fishin’. Do somethin’ or other, somethin’ for them to have fun, and me to have a little enjoyment, too. In addition to childcare responsibilities, many respondents were responsible for home maintenance tasks that included mowing and trimming the lawn, vehicle maintenance, and, occasionally, farm chores. All of these obligations require time and energy and may make it difficult for adults to commit to education programs.
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