Health & Parenting

Are Working Moms Healthier and Happier?

The Rewards of Work

Since the study spanned a decade, it followed mothers from when their child was a baby until sixth grade. And while roughly 25% of mothers worked part time over this period, employment status shifted a lot between not working, part-time jobs, and full-time positions.

Movement within the work force is even truer in today's economic climate, where both mothers and fathers are taking work when and where they can get it.

"In terms of parenting and balancing work and home, being a part-time worker provides the best of both worlds for mothers," says Jennifer Fraone, who was not involved in the study. She is an assistant director of the Boston College Center for Work & Family in Chestnut Hill, Mass. This seems intuitive, she says, because they have more time.

Fraone, a part-time working mother, says she can be both an involved mom and a talented employee. Mothers like her may benefit from the social aspects of work, the increased financial stability, and from being challenged or feeling fulfilled on the job.

"One thing I really dislike is the ‘mommy wars’ conflict -- [the notion] that one situation, working or staying home, is better than another," Fraone tells WebMD. "This is a very personal decision for every woman and for every couple."

But it's her hope that from research like this, more companies might think "outside the box" and consider creating more part time and flexible work arrangements for mothers.

The research was published in the December issue of the Journal of Family Psychology.