This was the headline of my local newspaper a few days ago. All of us who have been stay at home moms appreciate the validation that this study brings.
‘The study found that kids of working moms have a 200 percent increase in the risk of experiencing overnight hospitalizations, asthma episodes and injuries or poisonings.’
I am not posting this to take a stab at the moms who have to work outside the home. God knows that whether a mom works inside or outside is a tough call. My late husband and I decided before we became pregnant that my staying at home after the children were born was essential to my emotional well-being. Biblically speaking, mothers are given the day-to-day task of raising the children while the husbands/fathers are out making a living. Personally, my greatest goal in child rearing was to have children that would not only be a credit to us as parents, but who were also ‘brought up in the training and admonition of the Lord.’ (Eph 6:4) I just did not see how putting my children in the care of a nanny or in a daycare would accomplish that goal.
The study looked at 89,000 children aged 7-17. The data was pulled from the federal National Health Interview Survey. I am happy to report that my children are nearing their third decade, and they enjoy great health. As young children, they were very healthy. I can only remember one time when one of them was off school for an illness.
The reasons postulated for the better health of the children of stay at home moms ranged from the moms having time to prepare healthy meals to the moms having the time to clean the home properly. While I believe that these two factors do make for healthier children, I believe there is another underlying factor. It is thought that as much at 85% of illness is emotionally based. I personally believe that the children of stay at home moms are happier. They feel a greater sense of security and emotional stability. This could translate into less stress on the immune system, which would allow for greater/quicker response to illness. An immune system that responds quickly can defeat an invader before it has time to become a full-blown disease.
Until next time,
Polly
