Do Working Moms Put Their Kids at a Disadvantage?

Do Working Moms Put Their Kids at a Disadvantage?

The fascination with Sarah Palin comes not only from her unexpected rise, but also from the fact that she is a mother of five, with one child under a year old. While Palin seeks the vice presidency, one of the most demanding jobs on Earth, more than 40 million American moms also balance jobs with motherhood. Do working moms have the best of both worlds, or are they potentially neglecting their children's best interests?

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Suzanne Venker

Full-Time Day Care Causes Health and Behavior Problems in Children

Suzanne Venker

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The longest running day care study to date is being conducted by the NICHD. It began in April 2001 and is currently tracking 1,364 children from birth to age 12. The results have been consistent: Children who spend large amounts of time in day care exhibit more behavioral problems, such as aggression and disobedience, than children who spend less time in non-maternal care. In addition, teacher turnover among day care centers is notoriously high and results in young children losing yet more significant adults in their lives. Unaware of how to process their feelings, the pervasive sense of loss these children internalize often translates into anger and aggression. Moreover, children in day care suffer from higher rates of illness, ear infections, and – unless they’re from single-parent or low-income families -- slowed cognitive development.

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