New research says many parents, like the Chakales, would like to cut back on work to spend more time with their families RELATED VIDEO CNN's Pat Etheridge reports on the dilemma of most families: not enough time Windows Media 28K 80K

From Parenting Correspondent Pat Etheridge

ATLANTA (CNN) -- Make breakfast, dress the children, let out the cat, get to work -- the time squeeze is a modern-day reality. Now science backs it up.

Time is of the essence at the American Association for the Advancement of Science's annual meeting in Anaheim, California. Researchers there this week said parents work more hours than ever, but wish they could cut back.

Some companies have responded with so-called "family-friendly" policies.

At NationsBank, where Ann Chakales works, new options include reduced work schedules, job sharing and "flextime."

Chakales arrives at her desk by 7:30 a.m. and leaves by 3 p.m. to spend the afternoon with her two children.

But only a small percentage of American companies with 100 employees or more offer their workers that kind of flexibility on a regular basis.

According to the Families and Work Institute, misconceptions may hold corporations back.

"There's been the assumption that this is a win-loose," said the institute's Ellen Galinsky. "That if you help families with their personal or family responsibilities, you're giving away the store. You won't have workers there when you need them. You're opening Pandora's box.

"It turns out, for example, that absenteeism goes down when you provide more flexibility -- because people don't have to lie or they don't have to take the whole day off. They can take part of the day off. It's the opposite of what you think."

So with new studies new backing what parents have known for years, and corporations beginning to rethink old policies, the next century may bring a better balance.