It is noteworthy that not one of the other homes has any calendars displayed conspicuously in their living rooms or kitchens. It is therefore not surprising why many of the families miss events at school if they are not noting these in writing in a systematic way or even being aware of the day of the week. In one interview with Beth, when she realizes the day, she says, "Shoot. I was supposed to go to the school last night…Oh…I forgot all about it." Then she starts having doubts about the day of the actual event, "Or is it tonight?" On another occasion, Beth announces, "Actually I gotta call the dentist again cause [my youngest daughter] got a dentist appointment and I can't remember what the date is." Another parent says, "she's moving…tomorrow…There's a - what's today …Tuesday or Wednesday?…See, I've lost a day cause I thought today was Tuesday."

Although the families all have radios, they say they rarely listen to a news station. On my visits to these homes, I noted that the local country music station was often playing on the radio. Lynne's husband pointed out that he listens to the news occasionally while he is driving his taxi. In general, many of these families seem quite oblivious to not only events of the world, but also to local news until they touch their world in a more direct way. For example, in the course of the study, a city-wide recycling program was implemented. The program had a long lead-up time before actually commencing. Flyers had been distributed to homes and there was ongoing discussion in the media on how to sort the garbage and the corresponding garbage bag colour to use. For Julie and Michelle, this was a stressful time. They both indicated in interviews how difficult the sorting was going to be for them; they clearly had not paid attention to the information on the program when it was initially presented and then panicked when they realized they had to begin the program.

Finally, in terms of their sense of time in the day, it is commonly based on television programs or knowing when certain routine events occur such as when their children come home from school or go to or return from the [youth club]. Jill and Natalie are the only two parents who wear watches. In Natalie's case, this is not at all surprising, given that she appears to be the most future-directed. Her image of a brighter future for her children has a dramatic effect on what she chooses to do in the present. She is the only participant who appears to see a clear connection between her goals and what needs to happen to turn her goals into her reality. Natalie speaks about having "a master plan" to ensure a brighter future for herself and her children. She highlights that she is being careful not to miss any opportunities that might present and she is not letting any obstacles get in her way.