New research from the US suggests that children’s lives can be enriched as
a result of their mothers being employed.
The research found that the benefits of employment outweigh any harm caused
to children as a result of their mothers returning to full-time work within
a year of their birth.
The researchers at Columbia University tracked 1,000 infants from birth to
age seven and, although they found the children whose mothers returned to
work performed less well in tests, the benefits of maternal employment were
huge.
The study found that the working mothers displayed greater ‘maternal
sensitivity’ to their children than the stay-at-home mums and also brought
financial benefits to the family due to their higher earnings.
The study concluded that these benefits aided a child’s development even
further than the advantages that staying at home with children can
have.
Although it is clear that women should do whatever is right for their
individual situation, mothers who work can offer a good example to their
children – showing them that education and employment is important.
Lots of mums who want to return to work after caring for their children
find that adult literacy, adult numeracy and basic computer training can
really help to boost their confidence and their CV. Online courses are
particularly useful to busy mums, allowing them to learn at home, fitting
in study around their family responsibilities.
Take the Ready When You Are challenge with Johnny Ball and
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