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Cross-border work creates marital stress

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More than 60 per cent of couples, who separate during the week because one of them works across the border, have marital problems, a survey has revealed.

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Some six per cent of the 492 families interviewed admitted they had parent-children relationship problems. Another 10 per cent had difficulties with child care.

The workers stay on the mainland for an average of five days each trip.

The Hong Kong Council of Social Service, which conducted the survey, suggested troubled couples discuss their problems before considering living separately.

'They should list changes likely to emerge, their feelings and worries before setting off for the trip,' Alice Yuk Tak-fun, chairwoman of the council's family service and child care division.

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'The husband should draft a schedule of his daily life to reduce the guessing and anxiety of the wife,' she said.

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