Working mothers at risk from too much guilt

It’s hardly surprising that some of these children suffered educational setbacks compared to peers enjoying one-to-one maternal care. But, without taking into account the economic factors surrounding them and the availability of quality alternative care, such studies will always be flawed. As Sue Monk, chief executive of Parents at Work, has pointed out, American research now shows that good quality childcare can actually improve a child’s later academic performance. These findings were echoed by another large study, this time commissioned by Harriet Harman. Results showed that, as long as childcare began after the age of one, infants were likely to do better in maths and be less aggressive than their stay-at-home counterparts. After Harriet Harman received the research, she seemed ready to help mothers stay at home with their babies for the first year. But her real enthusiasm was saved for the prospect of sending mothers out to work with a clear conscience after twelve months, because her study into childcare had found ‘no evidence of harm.’

The 2001 budget has placed both maternity benefit and increased maternity leave at the top of the priority list, but where are the affordable, local nursery places so essential for that important return to work?

As I write these words my four-month-old daughter is cooing fretfully, alone in the bedroom. Like most mothers, the idea of giving my child all my attention is appealing but impossible. Like most mothers I can’t afford to pay over £100 a week for childcare, nor can I afford to stop working. When the time comes, I can only hope that any available care will give my daughter everything she needs during my absences.

It’s about time that we mums are supported whatever choice we make. Because just doing our best is the best we can do for our children.

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