The Frugal Family: Working Mothers Can Positively Impact Child Development

I stayed home with my son for six weeks after he was born and then returned to work full time. Now that he is 4 years old those 6 weeks seem like a mere blip, but I clearly remember the days dragging when I was home alone with my brand new baby. I had never been off of work longer than a day or two prior to this except to travel, so staying at home was a new experience and not entirely comfortable.

I welcomed a return to work, but also worried if the financial benefits were worth the impact to my child.

Like many parents in the United States, I didn't actually have a choice in the matter of whether or not to return to work. I was the bread winner in our family of three and provided at least 75% of our household income. My paycheck was more than double what I paid for daycare costs, so the financial implications were clear. In addition, without my job we would not have had health insurance since I have a history of health issues that private insurance won't cover.

The fact that I didn't have a practical alternative helps sooth any mommy guilt I might experience from time to time, but the findings of a Columbia University study are also encouraging. Researchers followed families of more than 1,000 children of up to 7 years of age and according to the London Daily Telegraph it was discovered that "working mothers had better mental health, were able to build healthier relationships within the family, and boosted the household income – all of which aided the child's development, the researchers found."

If you ask me, it's about time that it was recognized that children with parents working outside the home can be afforded great developmental opportunities just as they are with stayed at home parents. Perhaps this study will help soothe the angst of the SAHP (Stay At Home Parent) vs. WOHP (Work Out of the Home Parent) question.

Were finances a large factor in your decision about whether to stay at home or work during your child's early years? What are your thoughts on the study's findings?

Crystal Ritchie lives and blogs in San Francisco with her preschooler son Jack and her partner in crime/fiance David. She loves to share stories, tips, and tricks related to the parenting gig on her personal blog, Ewokmama.com.