Working mothers who worry about how their job outside the home affects their children's development may want to look at their situation more broadly, says a UC Davis researcher.

Because both working and not working outside the home can pose problems for children's growth, says Brenda Bryant, a professor of human development and family studies, mothers may want to look more closely at the types of shared experiences they have with their children, which are key to their children's development.

And, moms, in deciding to work, may want to reconsider who all are responsible for their children's development -- including the roles of both parents, parents' employers and children's school teachers. This approach, Bryant suggests, may change the question from "Should mothers work?" to "How can family needs be fulfilled in ways that help children's development to flourish?"

Thinking about the decision in this way has implications for society, such as the need for workplace and school "family-friendly" policies, Bryant says.

A workplace policy could allow phone access to parents and occasional leaves so parents can help children in person. Schools could schedule activities with parents' availability in mind.

Media contacts:
-- Brenda Bryant, Human Development, (530) 752-2242, bkbryant@ucdavis.edu
-- Susanne Rockwell, News Service, (530) 752-9841, sgrockwell@ucdavis.edu