At last! Mums can welcome news that working and motherhood do mix
There’s no question – the number of working mums are on the up and this number is only matched by the hefty dose of guilt that seems to come with it.
But, when you investigate the effects that being a working mum has on both you and your family, numerous studies show that it’s actually beneficial for everyone involved.
In fact, the financial independence and social interaction that you get in the workplace has been found to help reduce levels of stress, worry and sadness in new parents, according to a study from Penn State University in the US.
‘Work is good for your health, both mentally and physically,’ says study author Professor Adrianne Frech. ‘It gives women a sense of purpose, self-efficacy, control and autonomy.’
Work is good for your health, both mentally and physically
And when it comes to how work may affect your baby, you can ditch that guilt, too. Research carried out at the Institute of Education in London this year found your child’s literacy, maths ability and behaviour were not harmed if you went out to work.
So it’s clear that being in the workplace is often vital for keeping mums sane and happy. But what about part-time mums? Straddling the two very different worlds of soft play and coffee mornings, and client meetings and deadlines may seem like a tricky juggling act that could stress mums out.
In reality, part-time working mums are no more likely to be depressed than their stay-at-home counterparts. In fact, they’re just as happy and healthy, according to a study from the University of North Carolina.
What’s more, when you successfully manage a job while staying (relatively) stress-free, you’re providing your toddler with a great working role model.
If you’re looking to approach your boss about negotiating some part-time hours, are applying for a part-time job or just need advice on how to make working part-time work for you, log on to the Mother&Baby Facebook page on Thursday 24 October for a web chat with careers coach Jessica Chivers from our Working Mums Panel.
Have you swapped to part-time hours since having a baby? Let us know below.