Working mothers are now the rule rather than the exception. Women have been moving into the workforce not only for career satisfaction but also because they and their families need the income. Single mothers are often the primary breadwinners and have no option but to work outside the home to support themselves and their children.

Do children suffer by not having mom at home?

Put your doubt to rest: working mothers can certainly be good parents for the following reasons:

    • A mother who successfully manages both an outside job and parenthood provides a role model for her child. A happy, confident mother sets a better example for her children than one who is home all the time but might be unhappy with her choices.
    • The American Academy of Pediatrics states that there is no evidence showing that children are damaged by placing them in a day care setting. For many children, preschool is their first experience in a structured setting with teachers and groups of children. It’s an opportunity to learn to share and follow instructions. They are also often more ready to learn than children who have spent their previous years at home, according to the non-profit education website GreatSchools.org.
    • In most families with working mothers, each person plays a more active role in the household. The children tend to look after one another and help in other ways. The father is more likely to help with household chores and child rearing as well as breadwinning. However, these positive outcomes are most likely when the working mother feels valued and supported by family, friends and co-workers.
    • Working parents (not just working moms) can choose to make it a priority to spend time with their children. Just because a parent is in the same house does not necessarily mean that she is paying close attention to her children. Out of necessity, working parents often “make time” to spend with their child, giving the youngster their exclusive attention. This type of carved-out one-on-one time, which is not shared with housework or other adults, can mean a lot to a child’s self-esteem and personal development.

 

Sources

 

http://everydaylife.globalpost.com
http://mammodoctor.wordpress.com
O’Donnel. 2013. Mogul, mom & maid: The balancing act of the modern woman. Bibliomotion Inc.