The question of achieving a work/life balance surfaces frequently with today’s hectic pace. In my article on “Redefining Normal Business Hours” I commented on the fact that we may be putting too much emphasis on a concept that is relatively new insofar as we try to separate the two into distinct blocks.

I recently read more about child labor from the turn of the century. Around 100 years ago, there were two million American children between the ages of 10 and 15 years who had “gainful employment.” That often translated to 12 or 14 hour workdays, seven days a week.This probably seems cruel to most of us now when we look back at the situation, but despite numerous attempts to change the situation during those times, legislation continued to be defeated until the passing of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, which imposed limits on child labor. School attendance was obligatory only until age 14, and then not often enforced. Classrooms were usually crowded and teachers under trained. Anyone with disabilities did not get much attention.

Some of these issues may again be reflected in the present day as schools struggle with increased pressure on teachers and more demands for services. In reflecting on the current work/life balance, which often includes wanting more quality time with our own children, we can be grateful for past changes and still know that there is more we can do.