working moms
Question and Answer
What do you think of placing children in child-care centers so mothers can work?
Safe, clean, loving child-care facilities are a necessity in today's culture. They are especially needed by the millions of mothers who are forced to work for financial reasons. They are particularly vital to the many single parents who are the sole breadwinners in their families. Thus, we need not question the wisdom of providing well supervised centers for children whose mothers and fathers require assistance in raising them. That debate is over.
What can be argued is whether children fare better in a child-care facility or at home with a full-time mom. Personally (and others will disagree), I don't believe any arrangement for children can compete with an intact family where the mother raises her kids and the father is also very involved in their lives. There are at least four reasons that are true.
First, children thrive and learn better when they enjoy one-on-one relationships with adults rather than as members of a group. Second, you can't pay an employee in a child-care center enough to care for children like their own mothers will do. Children are a mother's passion, and it shows. Third, research verifies that kids at home are healthier than those who are regularly exposed to diseases, coughs and sneezes from other boys and girls.1 Fourth, a bonding is more likely to occur between parents and children when the developmental milestones are experienced firsthand. Families should be there when the first step is taken and the first word is spoken and when fears and anxieties arise. Certainly, others can substitute for Mom in those special moments, but something precious is lost if a surrogate witnesses them.
In short, I recognize the need for healthy child-care facilities in situations that demand them, but group living is not in the best interests of kids.
Background Information
What to Look For In a Nursery School or Playgroup
When you leave your child in someone else's care, there are some concerns you need to consider.
Working Moms Are Nothing New
It's just that they didn't have to leave their babies in daycare to do it.
Questions and Answers
Do you feel it is still important to have Mom at home in the teen years?
Answer
Do you think it is all right for a woman to make it her exclusive career goal to be a wife and mother? Or should there be something else?
Answer
Review Frequently Asked Questions
Stories
How Motherhood Changed Me
One professional woman recounts her first few weeks at home, alone, with her new baby.
I Can't Do It All
Balance in life is often elusive. But it can be attained.
If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.Share Your Story
Other Things to Consider
The Most Important Job in the World
When it comes to mothering, beware of substitutes.
The Stress of Being Superwoman
Is the title Superwoman too high and lofty for the everyday mom? These quick tips can help you utilize every minute of the day.
Fitting Kids Into a Life
We're well-versed in how to make it in the corporate world. What we need is a little advice about making it in the nursery.
Related Topics
Transitions: Changing Jobs, Moving
Relationships: Communication Gaps
Parenting Teens: Communication Problems
