The figures speak for themselves: more than two thirds (68%) of parents in Germany have problems balancing work and family life, according to a survey by Kantar Emnid. Only 29 percent stated that they manage the balancing act well - four years ago, 43 percent of those surveyed claimed the same.

The situation is particularly stressful for women. According to a survey by health insurer DAK, at least one in two of them feel that they do not have enough time for themselves. And: almost half of full-time working mothers (48%) and a third of part-time working mothers (32.2%) believe that they may not be there enough for their children. Reconciling work and family life is therefore more than difficult in practice.

One reason why so many mothers are torn between work and family: they return to work earlier and earlier after the birth of their children - usually due to financial constraints. In addition, many cannot afford to reduce their working hours, especially as they are aware that they will hardly acquire any pension entitlements if they work part-time for years.

However, there is another reason why everyday life is particularly stressful for women: The household also falls predominantly on them. Today, more men are involved in housework and bringing up children than ten years ago. However, according to a study by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW), women in Germany still spend an average of three hours more a day looking after the household and children than their male partners - even when both work full-time.

So it's no wonder that they reach their limits when trying to reconcile work and family life. We asked three women in different life situations and employment circumstances what the biggest problems are and how they manage the daily balancing act. Plus: important information and tips that can help those affected.

Anja (34), single parent, one son:
"It only works because my parents help"

"After the birth of my almost three-year-old son Paul, I wanted to go back to work as soon as possible. On the one hand, because as a single parent I'm dependent on a salary, and on the other because I wanted to prove to everyone - especially myself - that mothers can also have a career. So after a year, I went back to work full-time at my marketing agency. My everyday life is tightly scheduled: before and after work, everything revolves around the little one. I'm totally exhausted in the evening. It gets problematic when I don't get out of the office on time, the daycare closes or Paul gets sick. Then my parents, who are retired and fortunately live nearby, step in. They pick Paul up from nursery and do the shopping for me. I would be lost without them."
➜ GOOD TO KNOW: Employers must take the special needs of single parents into account when it comes to transfers, leave or the distribution of overtime. As a rule, single parents are allowed to take 20 days off a year if the child is ill and under 12 years old. If the mother herself has to recover from an illness at home or even go to hospital, she is entitled to household help if the child is under 12 years old. There is also a legal entitlement to a mother-child cure if it is necessary for health reasons.

Silvana (43), two sons:
"Better childcare would be nice"

"Since my sons Louis and Max, aged five and three, were born, I have no longer been able to work as an office administrator. I wanted to switch to part-time work, but the company I was working for only has eleven employees - but you only have a legal right to part-time work if the company has at least 15 employees. I couldn't continue working full-time either, because the only accessible daycare center where we live in North Rhine-Westphalia closes at 4 pm. What's more, my husband also works full-time. He commutes to Düsseldorf every day, is usually not home before 7 p.m. and can't pick up the children on time either. So a mini-job was the only option. I now always work at the checkout in the supermarket in the mornings. Fortunately, my husband earns quite well, otherwise it would be financially difficult."
➜ GOOD TO KNOW: Mini jobs on a 450-euro basis make it easier to combine work and family life. However, studies show that many women find it difficult to return to regular employment afterwards. The problem: the pension entitlements they acquire are not enough to live on. You should therefore ask your current employer whether they can possibly increase your hours and convert your mini-job into a part-time position subject to social insurance contributions. Also make sure that deposits and insurance policies are not only in your husband's name, but also in yours.

Maria (39), two daughters:
"Money is actually always tight"

"After the birth of my first daughter Lena, I went back to work full-time as a hotel manager. This job is very physically demanding. I was constantly sick and exhausted in the first few years. When I became pregnant with my second daughter Leonie three years later, I decided to reduce my working hours to 75% so that I could be there for my children and juggle everything. I now had a little more time, but money was always tight - especially when my husband was unable to work for several months due to a slipped disc. The girls are now 15 and almost twelve years old, and I would like to work full-time again so that we no longer have to turn over every penny twice. However, although you have a legal right to work part-time, you don't have the right to return to full-time work. My boss has not yet complied with my request."
➜ GOOD TO KNOW: Although companies are not obliged to turn part-time employees back into full-time employees, they must at least give them priority when advertising new full-time positions. It is particularly important for women working part-time to make private provision for old age, preferably as early as possible. Those who start later should not rush into choosing any pension product, but should ask an independent fee-based advisor for advice. They will develop a suitable and individual strategy.