Children are not affected when mothers return to work
A recent study has overturned earlier research on working mothers by finding that mothers can go back to work after the birth of their child without putting their wellbeing at stake, reports the Guardian.
The new study was led by New York’s Columbia University School of Social Work and was published recently by the Society for Research in child Development. The study saw researchers tracking the development of over 1,000 children from multiple areas up to age seven, making sure their family characteristics were taken into account.
The study found that whilst there are negatives that come from mothers returning to work during their child’s first year there were also huge advantages. A higher household income and wellbeing both contributed to a higher likelihood that the children would receive good quality childcare which acted to neutralise the effect of a mother returning to work.
Experts involved in the study believe that parenting itself is a huge factor and sensitivity to your child’s needs is also important. The key is leaving work at work and learning how to leave the office worries behind so mums can return home to their most important job.