study shows working moms healthier than stay-at-home moms
There is validity to the study discussed in this article. Moms need a place outside the home where they can contribute to the community-at-large. Whether the work is full-time or part-time, paid or volunteer, contributing to society plays a part in strengthening a woman's health, emotionally, mentally and now apparently, even physically.
However, "the findings also suggested that the stresses associated with holding down a job while raising small children take their toll on women's health....when children were younger than six, a working woman's health suffered but it began improving afterward."
However, "the findings also suggested that the stresses associated with holding down a job while raising small children take their toll on women's health....when children were younger than six, a working woman's health suffered but it began improving afterward."
posted by Jana at 10:15 AM
5 Comments:
Interesting stuff! I think it's very hard on a woman's health to be a stay home mom -- physical health and emotional/mental health, and the strain becomes stronger the more children you add to the mix, particularly if the mom feels isolated. I think of my own emotional struggles these past 6 years or so, and my own health struggles -- having shingles, having strep throat 8 times in one year (leading to a tonsillectomy), having a burst ovarian cyst, frequent headaches, etc.
Anyway. I'm going to be working full-time this fall for the first time in my life, at a school cafeteria of all things -- working there gets us half off on tuition and all four kids can go there and I'll be where they are. But interacting with adults. Should be interesting, but I'm already exhausted thinking about it ...
I've always worked because our finances dictated it, but I also really enjoy that interaction with my peers. I find that it's good for me to be able to start specific projects relating to my particular skill set and achieve goals. It makes me a better mother, I think.
But there is no denying the toll that working and mothering takes on a woman's body. But I figure all mothers - whether they work outside the home or not - suffer from fatigue and weariness. I think it's part of this stage in life.
I have been home with Jack for these first two years, and am now about to teach school for a couple of years to help our savings a little bit (so that we can hopefully give Jack some siblings!) it has been such a hard decision on so many levels...but I have prayed that God would either clearly open or shut the door, and He has opened it in more ways than one...I am just praying for the strength to be all that I can be for Jack...it gets on my nerves when those who don't work don't view moms who work as "full-time moms"...having been on both sides now, I can agree with Chel that I think this stage of life can just be exhausting no matter what a mother's work situation is...I am looking forward to getting back to teaching theatre because it is something I have a passion for...I know that I will miss Jack terribly, but I know that the interaction with his peers at the sitter will be great for him as well...okay, I could talk in circles...my stomach has been in knots over this and I have just been praying for peace...reading this post just got me stirred up I guess...I absolutely love staying at home and it is going to be very hard to make this transition...I have had to really fight Satan's lie that I am somehow not going to be as good of a mother if I am also working outside of the home...it is nice to know that there are mothers all over the country who have to think and pray through these situations.
okay, so it wasn't really anything about your post that stirred me up...didn't mean it that way...it just got me thinking about it more...i was actually a little off topic...but hey...if working is going to make me healthier I am all for that! (although my child is under 6...oh nevermind, I am not thinking about it!)
tine - If you have committed the decision to return back to work to prayer, and can see that God is opening doors and allowing it to happen, feel confident in your decision. I will say a prayer that His peace will settle into your heart.
And I think Chel is absolutely right. No matter whether you're working in an office or in your home, it is exhausting. Period!
P.S. I wish Jack and Rowan could hang out sometime! :)
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